Great Britain’s worst-ever bluetongue season ‘a major animal welfare crisis’
Summary
Great Britain’s 2025–26 bluetongue season has recorded 3,472 cases in England, Scotland and Wales since July, more than five times the total from the previous three seasons combined. Farmers and vets told MPs the outbreak has caused animal deaths, fertility and production losses, high costs and severe emotional stress.Key Facts
- Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects sheep, cattle and goats and spreads through bites from midges.
- The BTV-3 strain was first detected in England in 2023.
- England, Scotland and Wales have recorded 3,472 cases since July in the 2025–26 season.
- Devon has recorded 1,291 cases, Somerset 373 and Cornwall 352.
- Farmers have reported animal deaths, reproductive losses, reduced milk and growth, extra labour and veterinary costs.
- There is no direct treatment for bluetongue, according to the British Veterinary Association president.
- Some farmers did not vaccinate before the outbreak because of vaccine costs and uncertainty about infection risk.
- A case counts a premises with at least one infected animal, so the number of affected animals is likely higher than the case count.
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