Bluetongue cases on the rise
Wednesday 30th September 2026 | By Charlotte Prigmore, Agriculture Underwriter
Whilst bluetongue seems to be being discussed with more frequency at present due to the current notable outbreak being seen in the UK, it is not a new virus to our farmers.
In fact, it has been affecting UK farmers for nearly two decades, with the first reported case being found in a cow back in September 2007. The strain seen then was Serotype 8 (BTV-8). Some 15 years later a new strain was seen in the UK in November 2023, Serotype 3 (BTV-3). As of 2026, there are 27 strains of bluetongue throughout the world.
According to the UK Government, there was also a sole case of Serotype 12 (BTV-12) seen on a farm in February 2025, however, there have been no other cases of this strain.
Furthermore, during the current 2026-2027 bluetongue season (the season runs from 1st July to 30th June the following year), there have been no cases of the Serotype 8 (BTV-8) strain.
Nevertheless, although only 13 weeks in to the the current BTV season there has already been an influx in BTV-3 cases. A whooping 2,201 cases have reported since 1 July 2026 across England (1,825 cases), Wales (338 cases), and Scotland (39 cases), with 1,072 suspected BTV cases currently under investigation. Northern Ireland have yet to report any cases. A case map can be found here.
In comparison, during the 2025-2026 season 348 cases were reported and confirmed (11th July 2025 – 23rd June 2026). Of these, 324 cases were in England, 24 cases were in Wales, and 5 were in Northern Ireland. Scotland had no reported cases.
The bluetongue disease affects ruminants (sheep, cattle, goats, etc) and camelids (llamas, alpacas, etc.). According to the AHDB it is not contagious and is spread via biting midges (it is only female midges which bite, males do not). Humans cannot contract the disease, nor does it pose a risk to food safety.
One potential cause for the rising numbers seen in 2026 it’s the influx of midges seen this year due to the weather (caused by the current El Nino event). The UK has around 30 different species of midges however it is the culicoides species that transmits the bluetongue virus.
Although the second half of May was dry, the rainfall in June has meant that weather conditions were perfect for a surge in midges this year. The same for mosquitos in the UK which have been biting human counterparts.
There are also various levels of severity of the disease however whilst mortality is sadly seen in some cases, not all susceptible species will result in a death.
The issue with bluetongue is that it doesn’t just affect the adult animal. If a pregnant animal contracts the disease, then their offspring can also be infected. Unfortunately, this can be in the form of abortion or deformed offspring. It also may not be known that the parent has the virus until the offspring is born as some infected animals are asymptomatic.
Currently, there is no cure for bluetongue however there are vaccinations available to help reduce the risk of an animal contracting it. Although due to the elevated levels in cases, stock is, at present, in short supply. Some vets are even having to create waiting lists for farmers requesting the vaccine.
Testing costs vary between the type of test being conducted however, Defra does fund diagnostic testing costs for a maximum of three infected animals.
To aid with trying to reduce the severity/help spread awareness of the disease, the UK government have provided guidance on the symptoms to look out for.
For ease, they are as follows:
In sheep
Sheep are more likely to show obvious clinical signs of bluetongue than cattle if they become infected with bluetongue virus. Signs of bluetongue in sheep include:
- ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose
- discharge from the eyes or nose and drooling from mouth
- swelling of the lips, tongue, head and neck and the coronary band (where the skin of the leg meets the horn of the foot).
Other clinical signs include:
- red skin as a result of blood collecting beneath the surface
- fever
- lameness
- breathing problems
- abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths
- death
In lambs
Lambs can become infected with bluetongue virus before birth if the dam is infected while pregnant. Signs of infection include:
- lambs born small, weak, deformed or blind
- death of lambs within a few days of birth
- stillbirths
In cattle
Signs of bluetongue in cattle include:
- lethargy
- crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle
- redness of the mouth, eyes, nose
- reddening of the skin above the hoof
- nasal discharge
- reddening and erosions on the teats
- fever
- milk drop
- not eating
- abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths
Adult cattle may be infectious for several weeks while showing little or no sign of disease. They are often the preferred host for biting midges (the vector of bluetongue virus).
In calves
Calves can become infected with bluetongue virus before birth if the mother is infected while pregnant. Signs of infection include:
- calves born small, weak, deformed or blind
- death of calves within a few days of birth
- stillbirths
They have also provided the following phone numbers to call should you suspect a case of bluetongue (also found on the link provided above).
If you suspect bluetongue, you must report it immediately by calling:
- 03000 200 301 in England
- 03003 038 268 in Wales
- your local Field Services Office in Scotland
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. This means if you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.
Although a shorn sheep may look like it’s more susceptible to midge bites, it’s important, particularly during the current weather, to continue to shear them, especially from a welfare standpoint.
Sources –
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-latest-situation
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-latest-situation#historical
https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/bluetongue
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue
https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2026/mosquitoes-uk-what-you-need-know
https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/our-science/viruses/bluetongue-virus
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