Britain faces rapid spread of bluetongue in 2026-27 season with emerging regional hotspots

Since the start of the 2026-27 season, Britain has confirmed 24 cases of bluetongue across England and Wales, with Devon and Somerset becoming new areas of concern for farmers amid ongoing surveillance and control measures.

Britain’s bluetongue situation has continued to evolve quickly since the new 2026-27 season began on 1 July, with Defra saying on 24 July that 24 cases of BTV-3 had been confirmed across England and Wales. That official tally comprised 21 cases in England and three in Wales, with no cases reported in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

The first confirmed infection this season was identified in Staffordshire on 10 July in a ewe showing head swelling, drooling, crusting around the nostrils and lameness. Defra says the disease can also cause fever, lethargy, facial swelling, excessive salivation and mouth ulcers, while cattle may suffer reduced milk yields and difficulties walking.

Earlier reporting pointed to a steeper rise in suspected and confirmed holdings, with Devon and Somerset emerging as key areas of concern. Farms in those counties have reported losses among sheep, and Defra has also noted congenital abnormalities, including blind calves in Cheshire and abortions in a herd in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Bluetongue is a notifiable, midge-borne viral disease affecting sheep, cattle and other ruminants. Scotland’s government says it does not affect people or food safety, but animal health officials continue to stress surveillance, vaccination and movement controls as the season progresses.