Bluetongue and Biosecurity

WHAT IS BLUETONGUE? 

Bluetongue (BTV) is a viral disease transmitted by midges. The disease affects all ruminants and is not transferable to humans and non-ruminants. 
There are two strains of BTV: BTV8 and BTV3. It is the BTV3 strain of the virus that is currently spreading in England and Wales and recently confirmed in Scotland.  
BTV is a notifiable disease that causes high fever, swelling of the head and tongue, mouth ulcers, lameness and death. It also leads to abortions, stillbirths, and deformed or weak offspring. 

How many cases of Bluetongue are there?
 
As of the 21st of August there have been 517 cases of BTV-3 in the UK (in the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season). These are as follows:

496 cases in England
15   cases in Wales
06   cases in Scotland
0     cases in Northern Ireland

As documented in the RH&W Press conference ‘Cases’ refer to the affected holding, they are not per animal infected. 

*Please note in the printed edition of Fios 713 (printed 21st August),  we updated the case numbers per country but omitted to update the total number and the date from 18th August and 473 cases to 21st August and 517.

How is the Bluetongue virus spread?

Bluetongue is spread by midges that become infected by the virus when they bite an infected animal. The virus then spreads when the infected midge bites an uninfected animal. 
Once a midge has picked up the bluetongue virus it will remain infected for the rest of its life. 
BTV can also be spread through biological products, such as blood, semen or embryos, or the movement of infected animals.
Infected pregnant animals can, under certain circumstances, transmit the virus to their unborn offspring. Once born, the infected offspring could act as a source of bluetongue virus. 

What does this mean for the Western Isles?

The isolation capacity of the islands  is, of course, an advantage with the infected midges having to travel further and, at the moment, against the prevailing wind. Our shorter, colder season is again an advantage but in respect of stock movement from outwith the island there is a risk of transmission. 

How can Bluetongue be managed? 

Vaccination

During a press briefing organised by Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) on 5th August 2026, Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Wales and Scotland outlined the situation in each respective country. All three urged livestock owners to speak to their local vet and consider vaccinating their animals against Bluetongue. There is, however, at least a month-long waiting list for the vaccine. 
Fios spoke to local Vet, Hector Low, earlier this week and he confirmed that his advice with regards to vaccination, is to: “Sit tight just now.” Highlighting that the available vaccines were needed in the areas where the case levels are increasing and that we have a number of natural barriers working to our advantage, although stock movement from the mainland increases the risk level of transmission. 

Increasing Biosecurity Levels

On the 3rd of September, The Lewis and Harris Stock Producers Association (LHSPA) will be launching the LHSPA Health Plan for Lewis and Harris. This launch, with guest speakers Stew Burgess and Eilidh Geddes from The Moredun Research Institute, will focus on the importance of biosecurity measures ahead of people bringing stock on island from sales. Discussions on Bluetongue will also be held at the event. Alongside this, Geordie McIntyre will be going through a pen of ewes and discussing what to cast, and why. This event takes place at Laxay Showgrounds, Thursday 3rd September from 6.30pm.

What are the clinical signs of Bluetongue? 

SHEEP 

• Lethargy, reluctance to move
• Crusty erosions around the nostrils and on the muzzle
• Ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose
• Discharge from the eyes or nose and drooling from mouth
• Swelling of the muzzle, face and above the hoof
• Reddening of the skin above the hoof
• Redness of the mouth, eyes, nose
• Breathing problems
• Abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths
• Death

CATTLE

• Crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle
• Redness of the mouth, eyes, nose
• Redding of the skin above the hoof
• Nasal discharge
• Reddening and erosions on the teats
• Lethargy
• Milk drop
• Abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths

Cattle do not often show clear signs of disease so owners should also look out for signs of fatigue and lower productivity including reduced milk yield. 

CALVES

Calves can become infected with Bluetongue (BTV-3) before birth if the mother is infected while pregnant. Signs of infection include:

• Calves born small, weak, deformed or blind
• Death of calves within a few days of birth
• Stillbirths

What should you do if you suspect signs?

Bluetongue affects cattle, sheep, and goats among other ruminants, is a notifiable disease and if you suspect your animals are affected you must immediately notify your local Animal and Plant Health Agnecy (APHA) office. Failure to do so is an offence. 

The local APHA Office for Lewis is: 
APHA Field Services, Longman House, 28 Longman Road,
Longman East, Inverness, IV1 1SF
Email: [email protected]   Telephone: 03000 600704

BLUETONGUE INFORMATION/RESOURCES

The Moredun Research Institute 
https://moredun.org.uk/research/diseases/bluetongue

Interactive Map of Great Britain showing confirmed cases of Bluetongue
 https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus-hub/#

Scottish Government Website
https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/overview/

Battle Blue Tongue Campaign
https://ruminanthw.org.uk/battle-bluetongue-campaign-2025/

RH&W Press Briefing 5th August 2026 
https://ruminanthw.org.uk/webinar/bluetongue-press-briefing-5-august-2026/