What is bluetongue?

Bluetongue is a non-contagious viral disease transmitted by midges. It affects ruminants (mainly sheep and cattle, but also goats and deer) and camelids (llamas and alpacas). It doesn't affect human health or food safety, but is a 'notifiable disease', meaning farmers must tell authorities immediately a case is identified.

What to do if you think your animals are infected

Bluetongue cases are on the rise across the UK, particularly in SW England. We suggest sheep and cattle farmers talk to their vets to discuss the best cause of action to protect their stock. From a Soil Association Certification compliance perspective, there are no restrictions on vaccinating stock, if prescribed by a vet. If vaccination is considered the best course of action, please continue to administer vaccines without prior permission from certification, but add this into your herd/flock health plan ready for your next inspection.

Who to contact

We also urge farmers to report any new cases, as bluetongue is a notifiable disease. In England, call the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. In Northern Ireland, contact DAERA on 0300 200 7840.

We understand that this is a worrying time for affected farmers, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns and we will do our best to help, email farming.growing@soilassociation.org or call 0117 914 2412.

Information on bluetongue:

AHDB Bluetongue virus update webinar (5/8/26): https://ahdb.org.uk/events/bluetongue-virus-update-5-august

Government guidance on how to prevent bluetongue and stop it spreading: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-how-to-prevent-it-and-stop-it-spreading

National Sheep Association advice: https://nationalsheep.org.uk/our-work/news/btv-3-cases-continue-to-expand-rapidly/

National Beef Association - Facebook page containing advice: https://www.facebook.com/NationalBeef/videos/1639641797521823/

Joint Campaign Against Bluetongue (JABS) leaflet (pdf): bluetongue-leaflet_digi.pdf

Ruminant Health and Welfare advice: https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus-hub/