Bluetongue cases hit 670 as farmers urged to take industry survey
Bluetongue cases have climbed to 670 across the UK this season, prompting fresh calls for farmers to remain vigilant and share the disease’s impact through a new industry-wide survey.
The latest figures for the 2026/27 bluetongue season show 610 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, 49 in Wales and 11 in Scotland. No cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland.
There have also been no confirmed cases of bluetongue serotype 8 (BTV-8) during the current season.
The rising number of cases has prompted CLA Cymru to urge livestock farmers to remain alert, particularly while biting midge activity remains high.
The organisation, which represents around 3,000 members across Wales, is encouraging farmers to monitor livestock closely and discuss vaccination options with their vet.
CLA Cymru director Victoria Bond said: “The rise in bluetongue cases is a major concern for livestock farmers across Wales. We know many are already dealing with significant welfare, emotional and financial impacts.”
She said vaccination should form an important part of farmers’ preparations alongside close monitoring and sensible livestock movement decisions.
“While there is no single solution, vaccination is one of the strongest defences available against BTV-3,” she said.
“We encourage all livestock keepers to discuss the options for their flock or herd with their vet and to put a clear plan in place.”
Ms Bond also urged farmers to take practical steps to reduce exposure to the biting midges which spread the disease.
“The situation is evolving rapidly and it is vital that farmers remain vigilant, report any suspected cases promptly and make full use of the latest guidance,” she added.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and suspected cases must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Where animals showing suspected clinical signs are reported, Defra funds diagnostic testing for up to three affected animals.
CLA Cymru said BTV-3 does not result in movement restrictions at individual animal or farm level, but suspected bluetongue and cattle abortions must still be reported.
Against the backdrop of rising case numbers, the Ruminant Health and Welfare Group (RWHG) has launched an industry-wide survey to build a clearer picture of how BTV-3 is affecting farms during 2026.
The survey is open to all dairy and livestock farmers, including those who have not had bluetongue confirmed on their holdings.
Questions cover the impact of the disease on herds and flocks, current BTV status and farmers’ views on vaccination.
The NFU is encouraging members to take part, saying the findings will help the industry understand what is happening on farms and prepare for the continuing impact of the disease.
NFU acting Livestock Board chair Clare Wise said: “Bluetongue is a significant threat in our lives as farm business owners and animal custodians.”
She added: “That’s why it is so important everyone takes part in the survey to help our industry best prepare for the ongoing fight against this terrible disease.”
The RWHG said it wants responses from farmers regardless of whether their livestock have tested positive, helping to build a more representative picture of the disease’s impact across the country.
Farmers managing more than one holding are being asked to complete a separate survey for each farm, while postcodes will be collected to help map responses geographically.
Contact details are optional and responses will remain anonymous unless they are supplied.
The study has received ethical research approval from the University of Nottingham, with relevant findings expected to be published regularly.
A bluetongue case map is also available showing premises across Great Britain where one or more animals have tested positive for the disease by PCR.
Farmers are being encouraged to continue monitoring livestock, discuss vaccination with their vet, report suspected cases promptly and contribute to the survey to help the industry build a clearer picture of BTV-3’s impact.