Bluetongue virus: five new cases detected in UK farms since the start of 2026
The cases have been found at four farms across England 🐄
- There have been five new cases of bluetongue found in England since January 1.
- Bluetongue can have a devastating impact on infected animals and farmers.
- Cases have been confirmed in Devon, Cornwall and Cheshire.
- It comes after four cases of bluetongue were confirmed in Northern Ireland.
Since January 1, there have been five cases of bluetongue virus found at four farms across England.
Bluetongue is an insect-borne virus that can have a devastating impact on infected animals and farmers.
There have been 270 cases of the bluetongue virus in Britain since July 2025. Most were found in England (249), with 21 cases in Wales, 4 confirmed cases in Northern Ireland and no reported cases in Scotland.
On January 5, a case of bluetongue was confirmed in a cow showing clinical symptoms of the BTV-3 strain in Devon. By January 6, three more cases had been reported in Devon and Cornwall, with one cow with symptoms including diarrhoea, milk drop, drooling and swollen head. The latest case was reported on January 7, after a cow in Cheshire showed clinical symptoms.
It comes after four cases of bluetongue were confirmed in Northern Ireland.
What is bluetongue?
Bluetongue is an insect-borne virus that affects animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, deer and llamas or alpacas. It is caused by a virus which is transmitted by certain species of biting midges, which are most active from April to November.
Vaccination is considered a way to control bluetongue, although it does not prevent infection entirely.
Is it dangerous to humans?
Blue Tongue does not pose a danger to people or food safety, but it can have a devastating impact on infected animals and farmers.
There have been five bluetongue cases confirmed since January 1. You can find out more about the virus at DEFRA.