Key Takeaway
Farmers advised to vaccinate after recent hot weather provides ideal conditions for virus-carrying midgesThere has been an “alarming” surge in the number of sheep affected by an outbreak of bluetongue in the UK, with farmers whose livestock are at risk being urged to move them out of areas where midges are plentiful. The virus, which does not necessarily kill sheep…
Published August 5, 2026 · Category: News
Overview
Farmers advised to vaccinate after recent hot weather provides ideal conditions for virus-carrying midges
There has been an “alarming” surge in the number of sheep affected by an outbreak of bluetongue in the UK, with farmers whose livestock are at risk being urged to move them out of areas where midges are plentiful.
Details
The virus, which does not necessarily kill sheep but makes them ill and can have a long recovery time, presents as high fever and swelling of the lips and tongue, with a one-week incubation time. The tongue may go blue and even protrude from the mouth. More than 590 cases were reported last week, according to the National Sheep Association (NSA).
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Source
Originally published at www.theguardian.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is "‘Alarming’ surge in bluetongue disease among UK sheep" about?+
Farmers advised to vaccinate after recent hot weather provides ideal conditions for virus-carrying midgesThere has been an “alarming” surge in the number of sheep affected by an outbreak of bluetongue in the UK, with farmers whose livestock are at risk being urged to move them out of areas where midges are plentiful.The virus, which does not necessarily kill sheep but makes them ill and can have a long recovery time, presents as high fever and swelling of the lips and tongue, with a one-week inc
Who reported this story?+
This story was reported by The Guardian World.