Defra warns of an increase in bluetongue as the weather warms

The government has warned farmers to be aware of a possible increase in bluetongue virus cases in the coming months as the weather warms.

Defra has confirmed that the seasonal low vector period has now ended due to an increase in biting mosquito activity amid warmer spring weather.

She is therefore planning a possible increase in the number of cases of the bluetongue virus in the coming months.

In addition to the warming weather, there was an increased risk of infected mosquitoes moving over from Northern Europe, Defra said.

The bluetongue virus is usually transmitted through mosquito bites and affects cows, goats, sheep and other camelids such as llamas.

Midges are most active between April and November and not all susceptible animals show immediate or any signs of contracting the virus.

The effects on susceptible animals can vary widely: some may show no symptoms or effects at all, while in others it can cause productivity problems such as reduced milk production, while in the most severe cases it can be fatal for infected animals.

However, despite the government’s new warning, the risk of bluetongue transmission and the level of risk have not changed.

But farms from Norfolk to Kent and along the south coast from Kent to Devon have been told they are most at risk of invasion.

Defra said: “Farmers should continue to monitor their animals regularly for clinical signs and ensure their animals and land are registered with APHA so that we can locate animals in the event of an outbreak.

“Surveillance of susceptible animals and epidemiological assessments will continue. We will monitor the situation.”

Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) were established in November 2023 following the first case of bluetongue virus in Britain since 2007.

Based in Kent and Norfolk, they are designed to restrict the movement of livestock to stop the spread of bluetongue, which causes infertility and respiratory problems in sheep, cattle and goats.

There have been more than a hundred bluetongue cases in England since November.

There is currently no vaccine to combat the virus.