20 Aug 2026 Bluetongue - keep up to date with the latest situation

As at 18 August 2026 there have been nearly 500 confirmed cases of bluetongue serotype 3. None of these cases are in Warwickshire. Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported, Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for up to 3 affected animals. There are currently 2,401 potential cases of bluetongue under investigation in Great Britain. 

The risk of bluetongue virus incursion from:

• all routes – is medium (occurs regularly)
• airborne routes – is low (event is rare, but could occur)

This includes serotypes that are not currently circulating in England.

Temperatures are consistently high enough in parts of the UK and nearby continental Europe for the virus to develop inside the midges. This means onward transmission is now occurring and there is increased risk of transmission from midges blown across the Channel. Animals can also get infected through germinal products (semen, ova or embryos).

To keep up to date with this evolving situation, visit this page of the Defra website.