Worst ever outbreak of bluetongue hits British farms

The worst outbreak of bluetongue virus in British farming history has hit the nation, with cases surpassing the combined total of the past three years. Bluetongue, a viral disease affecting sheep and cattle, can cause symptoms such as fevers, ulcers, swollen heads, lameness, and in severe cases, death. The virus, transmitted by biting midges from Africa, has spread to Europe over the past two decades, with the strain currently affecting livestock (serotype 3, BTV-3) first identified in England in 2023.

Scientists attribute the transmission to climate change, demonstrating that hotter temperatures lead to more cases being recorded in northern regions. So far in 2026-27, there have been 2,201 cases, with September alone accounting for 1,103 instances - already exceeding the total of the past three years. Defra defines a case as a farm where at least one infected animal is present, meaning the actual number of affected animals may be higher.

Farmers struggle to obtain vaccines due to a demand-led process, adding labor pressure and stress to already challenging livestock business conditions caused by drought-related financial burdens. This summer marks the first time the disease has crossed into Scotland and spread as far north as Aberdeenshire. Senior analyst Tom Cantillon warns that this year's record outbreak signals "a harbinger of things to come" as climate change enables milder winters and hotter summers, allowing previously non-viable pests and pathogens to thrive.

He emphasizes the need for adequate preparation for these pests and pathogens, including vaccinations for farm animals. However, he stresses that we cannot vaccinate against the climate changes driving these outbreaks, which will only intensify until emissions are reduced to net zero and global warming is halted.