UK livestock face unprecedented bluetongue virus outbreak

British livestock farmers are experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of the bluetongue virus, a disease spread by biting midges. Data from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) shows that cases in the 2026-27 season have already exceeded 2,500, surpassing the combined totals of the previous three seasons in just three months.

The virus affects ruminants such as sheep and cattle, causing symptoms including fever, lameness, mouth sores, and swelling. Severe infections can lead to abortions, stillbirths, and death. While the disease poses no risk to human health or food safety, it places significant pressure on producers who may face animal culls. The current strain, serotype 3 (BTV-3), has been detected as far north as Scotland.

Experts from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have linked the expansion of the virus to rising temperatures, which extend the activity season of the midges that carry it. The National Farmers’ Union has noted that while vaccinations are available, securing supplies has proven challenging due to high demand.