By Karim Hammam
Great Britain is experiencing its worst bluetongue season on record, with the British Veterinary Association describing the outbreak as a major animal welfare crisis. The viral disease, which originated in Africa and is transmitted by biting midges, has surged across England, Scotland and Wales since July, recording 3,472 cases – more than five times the total of the previous three seasons combined.
Impact on farmers and livestock
Catherine McLaughlin, chief animal health and welfare adviser at the National Farmers Union, told MPs that the outbreak has placed farmers under severe emotional pressure and stress. She detailed animal deaths, severe disease, reproductive losses, reduced milk and growth, extra labour, veterinary costs, and disruption to breeding and sales. The effect on fertility is expected to have long-lasting financial impacts, with many farms likely to see very low lamb numbers in spring.
Veterinary challenges and vaccination barriers
Dr Gwen Rees, president of the British Veterinary Association, said there is no direct treatment for bluetongue, leaving vets able only to support animals and hope they recover. She called the situation a major animal welfare crisis. The cost of vaccination and uncertainty about infection risk deterred some farmers from immunising their animals before the outbreak took hold, Rees added, noting that tight margins make such investments difficult.
Geographic spread and case definition
The worst-hit areas are in the south-west, with Devon recording 1,291 cases, Somerset 373 and Cornwall 352. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs defines a case as a premises where at least one animal with bluetongue is present, meaning the total number of affected animals is likely higher than reported case numbers.
