Bluetongue cases in Britain exceed previous three seasons combined
Britain is experiencing its worst recorded bluetongue season, with Defra reporting 2,201 cases by the start of October. The virus has reached Aberdeenshire after entering Scotland for the first time this summer. Farmers’ representatives linked the growing challenge to vaccination access and climate-related pressures.
Britain is experiencing its worst recorded outbreak of bluetongue, with reported cases in the 2026-27 season already exceeding the combined total of the previous three seasons. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has recorded 2,201 cases since the season began on July 1. Of those, 1,103 were recorded in September.
The season runs until June 30, 2027, meaning the figures cover only its first three months. Defra defines a case as a premises where at least one animal with bluetongue is present. The number of affected animals is therefore likely to be higher than the number of reported cases.
Bluetongue affects sheep, cattle and other animals. Symptoms can include fever, ulcers, a swollen head and lameness; severe cases can be fatal. The disease does not affect people or food safety.
The virus is spread by biting midges. Serotype 3, the strain currently affecting livestock, was first detected in England in 2023. The disease crossed into Scotland for the first time this summer and has been found as far north as Aberdeenshire.
The World Organisation for Animal Health has linked the virus’s spread in Europe to climate breakdown. Academics cited in the source said transmission is closely connected to surrounding temperatures, with hotter conditions helping the virus develop inside midges and allowing it to spread farther north. Robyn Munt, vice-president of the National Farmers’ Union, said farmers were maintaining constant vigilance.
She also said obtaining vaccines had been challenging because supply was demand-led, while drought had increased costs and labour pressures on farm businesses. Tom Cantillon of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit described the outbreak as a warning of future risks. He said milder winters and hotter summers could allow pests and pathogens previously unable to survive in Britain to establish themselves.
He argued that vaccination and preparation were necessary, but that reducing emissions remained essential to stop warming.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.