The UK ended July with 84 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype BTV-3 in herds and flocks in England and Wales, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Of the total, 81 cases were recorded in England and three in Wales, while Scotland and Northern Ireland reported none.
The spread has been significantly faster than in the previous season: by August 11, 2025, England had recorded only 12 cases.
High temperatures favor the proliferation of Culicoides midges, which transmit the virus, accelerating its spread at this time of year. Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, Richard Irvine, warned that current conditions are conducive to transmission and that new cases are being reported in cattle and sheep across different parts of Wales and southwest England.
In response to the increase in infections, the Welsh government advised producers to check the health status of animals before any purchase or movement, consult veterinarians about vaccination and immediately report any suspected cases to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Bluetongue is a notifiable viral disease affecting ruminants and camelids. Symptoms include fever, swelling of the head and muzzle, mouth lesions, excessive salivation and lameness. In severe cases, it can cause abortions, birth defects and death.
