Bluetongue: What Producers Need to Know
As midge season approaches it is important that Scottish producers remain vigilant to the risk of bluetongue virus (BTV). Since 1 July 2025, (at the time of writing 15/04) there have been 333 cases of bluetongue in Great Britain in the 2025 to 2026 bluetongue season.
- In England, there have been 310 cases of bluetongue – including 299 cases of only BTV-3, 4 cases of only BTV-8 and 7 cases with both BTV-3 and BTV-8
- In Wales, there have been 23 cases of BTV-3
While there have been no cases in Scotland to date, this could change quickly and given that infection has been confirmed in north of England and Northern Ireland, it is plausible there could be cases in Scotland this year. The maps last summer were useful at showing when the cumulative degree days would be high enough to allow local midges to become infectious.
What is bluetongue?
As a reminder, bluetongue is a non-contagious, viral disease affecting domestic and wild ruminants and camelids, transmitted by biting midges. Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease and must be reported immediately if suspected.
Clinical signs and what to do if suspected
In sheep, bluetongue may cause fever, depression, swelling of the face and tongue, mouth ulcers, nasal discharge, lameness, and in severe cases death. In cattle, signs are often milder and include reduced milk yield, fever, nasal discharge, mouth lesions and lameness, with some animals showing no obvious signs. If suspected in England, Wales or Scotland, it must be reported immediately. Contact your vet or the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) without delay and avoid moving animals until advice is given.
Vaccination
Vaccination is still considered the best way to prevent clinical disease. The vaccine course requires to be completed well in advance of challenge to be effective. Discussions should be had with your vet regarding vaccination as ultimately it will be a farm specific decision to make.
AHDB cost calculators can help inform choice:
For the latest information regarding Bluetongue please refer to the Ruminant Health & Welfare website (ruminanthw.org.uk/latest-bluetongue-announcement).
The bluetongue library of webinars (ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus-hub/bluetongue-webinar-library) is also useful with the one in mid-March discussing high risk periods in Scotland based on historical data.
Useful links
Sarah Balfour, Beef Consultant, Sarah.Balfour@sac.co.uk
Posted by SAC Consulting on 17/04/2026
