Britain urges continued bluetongue vaccinations amid active midges and rising case numbers

London: Despite ongoing vaccination efforts, warm September weather prolongs bluetongue activity, with over 1,000 cases reported, mainly in England. Authorities emphasise vaccination benefits, monitor disease signs, and prepare for potential winter flare-ups affecting livestock fertility and productivity.

Britain’s chief veterinary officer is urging farmers to keep vaccinating against bluetongue as warm September weather leaves biting midges active and the season’s peak may still lie ahead. The warning matters for livestock businesses because the disease is already disrupting fertility, milk output and herd planning, while officials are preparing for overwintering and a further flare-up next year.

Dr Christine Middlemiss told UK Dairy Day in Telford that vaccine stocks are still available and that vaccinating during an outbreak can reduce clinical signs and limit the impact on animals. Defra and the wider veterinary response are now focused on diagnosis, surveillance and planning for a disease that officials expect to persist through the winter.

The latest figures underline the scale of the problem. Defra has confirmed 1,048 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 in the 2026/27 season, according to industry reporting, with England accounting for the bulk of infections and the South West hit hardest. The Pirbright Institute said it has already handled about 8,500 tests.

Veterinarians are also warning that the disease can resemble foot-and-mouth disease, with lameness, mouth lesions and swollen muzzles among the signs. Dr Middlemiss said any suspicion of FMD should still be reported immediately for testing.