Bluetongue virus surge among sheep causes farming emergency
A rise in bluetongue virus cases among sheep has led to a farming emergency, with concerns over livestock health and economic impact.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Livestock farmers in England are being urged to stay on high alert as cases of bluetongue virus continue to rise, with the largest cluster on Exmoor in the southwest. The disease, spread by midges, has moved north from Africa and southern Europe, driven by climate change. It can be deadly for sheep, and farmers are worried about both animal welfare and the economic impact.
Bluetongue is a viral infection that can resemble foot and mouth disease, one of the most serious livestock conditions. Symptoms vary from animal to animal, making it hard for farmers to spot. In a similar outbreak in the Netherlands a couple of years ago, around 4% of the national flock died, but on some farms the mortality rate was between 10% and 40%. That uncertainty is causing deep concern.
Vaccination is available, but it takes time to become effective. One sheep farmer in Devon vaccinated his flock the day he heard about the alert, but new cases have still appeared since then. He said the process is laborious, requiring a different needle for every sheep, and it takes three weeks for the vaccine to work. He also reported a shortage of vaccine, with vets saying supplies are limited.
The UK's chief vet is encouraging farmers to consider vaccination, saying there is still time before the expected peak in late September or October. Three jabs are now authorised for use against the strain circulating in the UK. There are currently 46 confirmed cases in Somerset, plus one in Dorset and one in Wiltshire. Farmers have raised concerns that the government's advice has come too late.
The Animal Health Agency is struggling with delays in testing. One farmer said he asked for a test nine days ago and still had not received results. The government says it recognises the difficult time for farmers and is monitoring the situation closely, with processes in place to bring in additional vaccine supplies. Farmers are being told to remain vigilant and monitor their animals closely.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 5 | BBC One |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetongue cases are concentrated in the southwest of England, with 46 confirmed in Somerset and one each in Dorset and Wiltshire. | ||
| A similar outbreak in the Netherlands killed about 4% of the total flock, with some farms seeing mortality rates between 10% and 40%. | · | |
| Bluetongue virus has spread northwards due to climate change, bringing midges to the UK. | · | |
| Symptoms of bluetongue in sheep vary, making detection difficult and resembling foot and mouth disease. | · | |
| The UK's chief vet encouraged farmers to consider vaccination. | · | |
| There is a shortage of vaccine for bluetongue disease. | · | |
| Three jabs are authorised for use against the bluetongue strain in the UK. | · | |
| Vaccination takes three weeks to become effective. | · |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The channel focused on the human impact through an interview with a sheep farmer, highlighting the practical challenges of vaccination, vaccine shortages, and the emotional toll on farmers. It also used a map to show that 90% of cases are concentrated in the southwest.
- “blue tongue is a Virus as you say that's carried by midges. It's quite new to this country”
- “the problem is you can't be complacent you think you're vaccinated everything's going to be fine”
- “the vets are saying that they is a shortage of the vaccine”
The channel focused on official advice from the UK's chief vet, the number of confirmed cases, and the urgency of vaccination. It presented a more institutional perspective, with the chief vet urging farmers to order vaccine and noting there is still time before the expected peak.
- “We are expecting a peak into late September, October. There is still time to vaccinate and protect your animals.”
- “I know vets don't have stockpiles of the vaccine sitting because it's demand-led. Please order it.”
- “Farmers have raised concerns, though, that the government's advice is too little, too late.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.