51AVÊÓÆµ

More bluetongue-related abortions and birth defects reported on farms

Vets have raised concern that current bluetongue testing arrangements may inadvertently weaken disease surveillance

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth said: "There are a number of other important infectious causes of abortion, some with implications for both animal and human health, which require timely diagnosis through local laboratory networks. The current constraints risk delaying or preventing those diagnoses, with consequences for animal welfare, farm productivity and wider biosecurity."
Image:

Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth said: "There are a number of other important infectious causes of abortion, some with implications for both animal and human health, which require timely diagnosis through local laboratory networks. The current constraints risk delaying or preventing those diagnoses, with consequences for animal welfare, farm productivity and wider biosecurity."

Farms in England have continued to report a worrying rise in cattle abortions and calves being born with neurological disorders after testing positive for bluetongue. Out of the 36 positive cases of...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Animal Health

Partner Insight Webinar: Why abortion prevention starts before tupping

Partner Insight Webinar: Why abortion prevention starts before tupping

MSD Animal Health
clock 26 August 2026 • 1 min read
Bluetongue samples to be tested at APHA's Weybridge laboratories due to 'unprecedented scale of the outbreak'

Bluetongue samples to be tested at APHA's Weybridge laboratories due to 'unprecedented scale of the outbreak'

The move was aiming to speed up the process of providing results with ‘significant delays’ being reported with the Pirbright Institute seeing a substantial backlog

Alex Black
clock 25 August 2026 • 2 min read
Bluetongue myths busted: The truth about vaccination, fertility and restrictions

Bluetongue myths busted: The truth about vaccination, fertility and restrictions

With bluetongue cases rising across England, Wales and Scotland, we take a look at the myths circulating around the farming community

Alex Black
clock 25 August 2026 • 3 min read