A new case of bluetongue was first reported on 26 August in a single sheep in South Norfolk, marking the first case of the 2024/25 vector season. Three further cases have now been confirmed in Norfolk and Suffolk.
During the 2023/24 vector season, between November 2023 and March 2024, there were 126 bluetongue cases in England on 73 premises.
A TCZ (temporary control zone) was put in place around the affected farms which will restrict movements of susceptible animals and their germinal products except under licence. This has now been revoked and replaced by a larger restricted zone (RZ). The RZ covers the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk and now Essex, too. Read: Bluetongue movement restrictions.
Defra has confirmed surveillance is underway to determine if the virus is currently circulating in the UK. In a , Defra said that given the current temperatures and midge activity which spread the disease, 鈥榯here is a high risk of onward spread in the UK鈥�.
The news follows a warning from Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss for livestock keepers to take up free testing, following an increase in cases in Northern Europe.
Spotting and reporting the signs
Symptoms vary across ruminants, but include fever, lesions, redness of the mouth, eyes, nose, reddening of the skin above the hoof, excessive salivation and nasal discharge. However, animals may show little or no clinical signs.
Find out more at: .
Defra has said farmers should continue to monitor their animals frequently and report suspicion of disease immediately as well as ensuring their animals and land are registered with the APHA so keepers can be kept informed and animals easily located.
Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it you must report it immediately. Failure to do so is an offence:
- England听鈥� call the Defra Rural Services Helpline on听03000 200 301.
- Wales听鈥� contact听0300 303 8268.
- Scotland听鈥� contact your听.
If you need to move livestock from your holding, you should apply for a specific licence online using the Defra/APHA licensing portal. Specific licences for farmers within a TCZ and with tracings are available via the licensing portal:听.
鈥�It is crucial to understand whether BTV is circulating in the midge population in and around the TCZ, so that timely and well targeted action can be taken to prevent the disease spread.鈥�
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
鈥榃orrying development鈥�
Responding to the news, UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Ele Brown said: 鈥淏luetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, but the disease can impact livestock farms, and cause productivity issues. These are the first few cases in England where animals have shown clinical signs and been unwell from infection with bluetongue.
鈥淭hese detections are a clear reminder of the threat of the disease: farmers and their vets must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA.鈥�
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said the news was a 鈥渨orrying development鈥� and reiterated calls for vigilance.
He added: 鈥淚t is crucial to understand whether BTV is circulating in the midge population in and around the TCZ, so that timely and well targeted action can be taken to prevent the disease spread.鈥�
BTV does not pose any risk to the general public, nor to any food products from susceptible animals.
Help and support
If you are in need of help or support in the aftermath of a bluetongue outbreak on farm, there are a number of farming organisations that can help.
NFU CallFirst is also available for help and advice on farming, legal or technical issues on 0370 845 8458.
Members should keep regularly checking our bluetongue essential information page for the latest news and updates.