Nearly 20 counties now placed in a bluetongue restriction zone

Nine cases of the virus have been detected outside the zone in Cheshire, Shropshire, Somerset, Cumbria, Anglesey, Gwynedd, Cornwall and North Yorkshire

11 October 2024 鈥� 1 min read

Bluetongue has continued to be detected in the UK with more than 25 counties returning a positive case.

As of October 11, APHA said there have been 143 confirmed reports of the virus on farms in England and Wales since August 26 in cattle and sheep.

The Government has placed 18 counties into a restricted zone which covers Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, East Yorkshire, Essex, Greater London, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey and Sussex.

READ NOW: Second case of bluetongue identified in Wales

Somerset, Shropshire, Cheshire, Cumbria, Anglesey, Gwynedd, and North Yorkshire and Cornwall have also returned positive cases of the virus spread by midges.

Latest information published by the Government revealed that 3 cases of bluetongue had been identified on Thursday (October 10) in Norfolk, Hertfordshire and North Yorkshire.

APHA said all the animals have been humanely culled to prevent 'potential spread' of the virus.

READ NOW: Defra Secretary visits farmers in restricted bluetongue zone

Government boosts funding for free vet visits to help tackle disease

The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway has been expanded for multiple flocks and herds, in a move aiming to reduce disease and boost farm profitability

Jane Thynne

26 June 2025 鈥� 2 min read

Animal Health

Letters: "Bluetongue vaccines should now be considered for use across GB"

The Chief Veterinary Officers of GB, together with the AHDB, Ruminant Health and Welfare and other industry stakeholders are urging vets and farmers to discuss the use of available BTV-3 vaccines, where appropriate

Farmers Guardian

24 June 2025 鈥� 2 min read