The UK is currently facing a concerning increase in bluetongue cases among sheep, prompting farmers with at-risk livestock to relocate their animals from areas abundant with midges.
Bluetongue is a viral illness that doesn’t typically lead to death but can cause significant sickness and prolonged recovery in sheep. Symptoms include high fever and notable swelling of the lips and tongue, with the latter sometimes turning blue and protruding from the mouth.
Last week, more than 590 cases were reported, as indicated by the National Sheep Association (NSA).
This virus is spread by biting midges (culicoides), and its presence in the UK has been linked to climate change. The World Organisation for Animal Health noted in 2024 that while bluetongue was historically confined to tropical and subtropical regions with suitable conditions for midge survival, it began to spread to the Mediterranean and southern Europe in the late 1990s, with its first detection in the UK occurring in 2006.
Robyn Munt, vice-president of the National Farmers’ Union, expressed grave concerns regarding the rapid spread of bluetongue, emphasizing the additional uncertainty and financial strain it places on livestock farmers. She mentioned that farmers are taking proactive measures to safeguard their flocks, such as relocating high-risk or unvaccinated animals away from damp, low-lying areas and keeping susceptible sheep indoors during peak midge activity times, which adds to their operational challenges amid difficult weather conditions.
Devon sheep farmer Dominic Elson recounted the sorrow of losing a long-time ewe to the disease, describing the experience as heartbreaking. He expressed frustration with what he perceives as inadequate preparedness from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the inefficiencies of the self-reporting process; he noted that the reporting hotline seemed overwhelmed, complicating efforts to report cases accurately.
Elson warned that underreporting could be significant, citing a previous outbreak in the Netherlands that resulted in a mortality rate exceeding 4% of the national sheep population between September and December 2023. He stated, “With the cessation of the basic payments system and cuts to agri-environment budgets, upland sheep farmers are already at a critical juncture. This outbreak could be the tipping point for some.”
Phil Stocker, chief executive of the NSA, highlighted the dramatic rise in reported bluetongue cases, which surged from 115 the previous week to over 590, predominantly in the south-west of England, a notable hotspot for the virus. He noted an increased demand for vaccines, although supplies may dwindle. Stocker assured that vaccine manufacturers are working to meet the rising demand.
He also addressed some confusion regarding vaccination, explaining that while full immunity takes 28 days to develop, earlier protection may occur, especially for animals vaccinated the previous season. With several months of midge activity ahead, he advised that breeding males and females should be vaccinated prior to mating.
A report from the National Audit Office last year indicated that the UK might not be adequately prepared for a significant animal disease outbreak. Stocker pointed out that while surveillance has effectively identified infected premises, the practice of testing only three animals per affected holding limits the understanding of the full extent of the outbreak.
A Defra spokesperson acknowledged the challenging situation facing livestock keepers and assured that they are closely monitoring developments while engaging with industry representatives to keep farmers informed and address any concerns promptly.
An Animal and Plant Health Agency representative confirmed that the virus is circulating in England, particularly in the south-west and certain areas of Wales. They attributed the recent increase in cases to favorable conditions for midge populations due to hot and humid weather.
“Livestock keepers should remain alert and report any suspected cases of the disease to APHA,” the spokesperson advised. “We also encourage all farmers to consult their veterinarians about vaccination, which is the most effective means of safeguarding their animals.”
