A special meeting has been organised for farmers in Gloucestershire amid a sharp rise in bluetongue virus cases, which have now approached 1,000 across the UK. The BTV-3 virus affects ruminants and camelids, including sheep, cattle, goats, deer, llamas, and alpacas, with sheep being particularly vulnerable.
Bluetongue can cause a range of symptoms such as fever, swelling, lameness, nasal discharge, mouth ulcers, and can result in death. The virus may also pass to unborn lambs and cattle, with varying mortality rates and symptom severity.
In recent weeks, farmers have reported significant losses, sometimes losing large numbers of livestock within a single day following diagnosis, as the outbreak has spread rapidly across the country.
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It is important to note that bluetongue is not transmissible to humans, who remain completely safe around infected animals. However, the impact on livestock has been devastating; for example, one farmer in Devon lost over 50 sheep to the outbreak and expressed a strong wish to prevent others from experiencing similar losses.
Alongside Gloucestershire, cases have been confirmed in Cornwall and Somerset. In response, a dedicated meeting will take place on Monday, 14 September, at Dursley Rugby Club, starting at 6:30pm. Farmers from across the South West are encouraged to attend to gain insight into the advantages of vaccinating sheep and cattle against the bluetongue BTV-3 virus.
The meeting will feature contributions from industry experts, DEFRA representatives, and local veterinarians. Discussions will cover key topics such as how bluetongue spreads, vaccination information, clinical signs in livestock, and approaches for treating affected animals.
According to the latest figures from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), 973 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 have been confirmed during the 2026–2027 season in the UK, with cases doubling over the last three weeks. The outbreak is projected to peak at the end of September, subject to weather conditions.
Dr Mandy Nevel, Head of Animal Health and Welfare at AHDB, emphasised the importance of vaccination as the primary defence against the disease. She noted that vaccine supplies are improving and urged farmers yet to vaccinate their stock to consult local vets promptly.
Confirmed cases stand at 841 in England, 111 in Wales, and 21 in Scotland as of 8 September. Prys Morgan, AHDB’s Beef & Lamb Director, highlighted collaboration with industry partners across the UK to support livestock health throughout the outbreak.
Tom Edwards, AHDB’s Beef & Lamb Regional Engagement Manager for the South West, acknowledged the anxiety farmers face and underlined AHDB’s ongoing commitment to providing guidance and practical support. A dedicated AHDB Bluetongue virus hotline is available on 0247 771 0386 (open weekdays 09:00–17:00 BST), alongside further resources on the AHDB website.
Farmers wishing to attend the meeting at Dursley Rugby Club are advised to register their interest via the AHDB website as spaces are limited and demand is expected to be high. More information and booking details can be found at ahdb.org.uk/events.