Bluetongue cases top 1,000 as five farmer meetings announced

Five farmer meetings are being held across England as bluetongue cases double in three weeks to more than 1,000 premises, with livestock keepers urged to vaccinate ahead of an expected late-September peak.

AHDB will hold meetings in Bakewell and Dursley on 14 September, Ledbury on 22 September, York on 23 September and Lancaster on 29 September, with all sessions starting at 6.30pm.

The events will give sheep, beef and dairy farmers access to animal health experts, with advice on vaccination, disease spread and protecting livestock as case numbers continue to rise.

Latest figures dated 10 September show 1,015 premises have confirmed bluetongue serotype 3 during the 2026/27 season.

England accounts for 883 cases, while 111 have been recorded in Wales and 21 in Scotland. Northern Ireland has recorded no cases.

There have also been no confirmed cases of bluetongue serotype 8 during the current season.

The number of BTV-3 cases has doubled over the past three weeks, with the outbreak expected to peak towards the end of September depending on seasonal weather conditions.

Dr Mandy Nevel, AHDB head of animal health and welfare, said the virus had continued to spread rapidly.

She said: “Over the past few weeks we have seen the bluetongue virus spread from the south-west of England and across large areas of England, Wales and Scotland.”

AHDB is urging farmers who have not yet vaccinated susceptible livestock to speak to their vet.

Dr Nevel said: “Vaccination firmly remains the single most effective tool available to help protect vulnerable animals.”

She acknowledged that vaccine availability had been a concern in recent weeks, but said supply was improving.

“Although vaccine availability has been the subject of much discussion over recent weeks, we are seeing an increase in supply.”

She added: “The key message remains clear: It is not too late to vaccinate.”

Bluetongue affects ruminants including sheep and cattle, and the rapid spread of BTV-3 has increased pressure on livestock farmers to consider vaccination and seek veterinary advice.

AHDB said the meetings were being organised because many farmers still have questions about the disease and how best to respond.

Emma Craig, AHDB beef and lamb senior engagement manager, said: “Although bluetongue has been spreading across the country for some time now, we understand many farmers will still have questions about this virus that experts can help to answer, which is why we are holding a meeting at Ledbury Rugby Club.”

She added: “This is an extremely worrying and stressful time for farmers affected by the disease.”

Prys Morgan, AHDB beef and lamb director, said the spread of the virus required a coordinated response across the livestock sector.

He said: “Bluetongue doesn’t respect country or county boundaries, and neither does our support.”

AHDB is working with organisations including the NFU, Animal and Plant Health Agency, HCC – Meat Promotion Wales – and Quality Meat Scotland.

Mr Morgan said: “This is an anxious time for a lot of farm businesses.”

Farmers are being advised not to wait for clinical signs before finding out more about the disease or seeking advice on vaccination.

AHDB is also providing support through its bluetongue hotline on 0247 771 0386, which is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Further information on clinical signs, vaccination and disease reporting is available through AHDB and government guidance.

Anyone who sees suspicious signs of bluetongue is being urged to report them promptly.

In England, suspected cases can be reported through the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

Farmers in Wales can call 0300 303 8268, while livestock keepers in Scotland should contact their local APHA Field Service Office.

Places at the five AHDB meetings are limited and farmers are being asked to register in advance through the organisation’s events website.

With case numbers still climbing and the outbreak expected to peak later this month, livestock keepers are being urged to use the meetings to seek advice and speak to their vet about vaccination before clinical signs appear.