** A concerning surge in bluetongue cases has been reported across Great Britain, prompting urgent calls for vigilance and rapid reporting of suspected cases.
📍 ** Great Britain, England, Wales, Northern Ireland
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The 2025 to 2026 bluetongue season has seen a rapid escalation in confirmed cases, with a total of 337 recorded across the nation as of April 21, 2026. England currently bears the brunt of the outbreak, accounting for 314 cases, with a breakdown of BTV-3, BTV-8 and both serotypes. Wales has reported 23 cases of BTV-3, while Scotland remains clear of the disease. Detailed information regarding the locations of affected premises is available via the bluetongue case map, providing crucial data for targeted control efforts. Northern Ireland has also recorded five confirmed cases of BTV-3, indicating the expanding reach of this insect-borne virus.
Recent weeks have witnessed a concerning wave of new cases, largely centered around young calves exhibiting severe neurological signs. On April 21st, two calves in East Sussex and Derbyshire presented with neurological issues and impaired suck reflex, leading to post-mortem findings of brain deformities. Simultaneously, in Wiltshire, three calves displayed blind births alongside facial deformities, while a West Sussex calf suffered from a reduced sucking reflex. These alarming developments underscore the virus’s potential for rapid spread and significant impact on livestock populations.
The outbreak isn't limited to calves; a cow in Cornwall tragically succumbed to the disease following the birth of three dummy calves, highlighting the broad susceptibility of livestock. Further cases have emerged in Devon, Lancashire, and Powys, with symptoms ranging from neurological distress to convulsions and brain cavitation. The confirmed case in East Sussex, involving a late-term abortion/stillbirth, further demonstrates the diverse clinical presentations of the virus, demanding careful monitoring and immediate action from farmers and veterinary professionals.
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** #Bluetongue #AnimalHealth #Livestock #Veterinary #DiseaseOutbreak #Agriculture #AnimalWelfare #BTV3 #BTV8