On 14 August 2026, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer urged livestock keepers to remain on high alert for bluetongue virus and to seriously consider vaccinating their animals, as infections increased in parts of Great Britain, particularly southwest England and parts of Wales. Defra said recent hot and humid weather had created favourable conditions for the biting midges that spread the disease, likely contributing to the rise.

Signs include fever, lameness, swelling of the lips, tongue, head or neck, eye or nose discharge, mouth ulcers, breathing problems, reduced milk yield, abortion and stillbirths. Bluetongue can affect sheep, cattle, goats, deer and camelids such as llamas and alpacas, with sheep at greater risk of mortality. The Government said it had authorised three vaccines for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) for use in Great Britain and was working with manufacturers on additional supplies. Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said vaccination is the best tool available and that keepers should speak to their vet now, since immunity takes time to build.

Suspected cases must be reported by law to the Animal Plant Health Agency. Separate restricted zones were in place in Wales and England, while movement controls remained between UK countries and pre-movement testing was required.