ScienceHealth crisis

Severe Bluetongue Outbreak Spreads Across British Farms

Published 1d ago · Latest report 3h ago

AI summary39s readNegative

Britain faces a record-breaking bluetongue outbreak among livestock as climate pressures drive the virus north.

Britain is enduring its worst bluetongue virus outbreak on record, with infections surpassing the combined total of the previous three years. Climate change is blamed for driving the spread of the livestock disease as far north as Aberdeenshire. Meanwhile, Scottish authorities have expanded restriction zones to simplify trading for farmers and markets.

The viral infection causes fevers, ulcers, swollen heads, lameness, and occasionally death in sheep and cattle.
Reported cases have already exceeded the combined totals of the past three years.
Infected livestock can suffer from a distinctive blue and protruding tongue.
The Scottish government expanded its restriction zone across the entire region to assist hauliers and auction markets.

Why it matters

Bluetongue is a non-contagious viral disease spread by biting midges that severely impacts ruminants such as sheep and cattle, threatening agricultural economies.