- A record 2,485 cases of bluetongue have been recorded in the UK just three months into the 2026-27 season, exceeding the total from the previous three years combined.
- The Department for Environment , Food & Rural Affairs confirmed that 2,031 cases were recorded in England, 414 in Wales, and 40 in Scotland.
- The viral disease affects livestock including cattle, sheep, goats, and deer, but it poses no risk to human health or public safety.
- Representatives from the National Farmers’ Union and veterinary officials have urged farmers to remain vigilant, continue disease surveillance, and vaccinate their livestock.
- Defra attributed the record surge to hot, humid summer weather, which created favourable conditions for the biting midges responsible for spreading the virus.
IN FULL
British farms hit by record bluetongue outbreak after heatwave summer
