Two cases of bluetongue virus serotype three (BTV-3) have been identified on two separate cattle farms in Wales. This is the first time bluetongue has been identified in Wales.
Both cases have been identified on farms on the English border.
The first case was identified on a farm in Presteigne, Powys, and the second is around 50 miles away in Chepstow, Monmouthshire.
Confirmation of the cases comes almost one week after the Welsh government announced that some movement restrictions would be eased for all animals vaccinated against BTV-3 moving from the restricted zone in England into Wales.
This change follows discussions between Welsh government, NFU Cymru and the wider livestock industry about the way forward for BTV-3 control.
England has confirmed 78 cases of BTV-3 since July 2025.
On Friday, one case of bluetongue serotype 8 (BTV-8) was confirmed in a single sheep in Cornwall following reports of suspicious clinical signs.
This is the first case of BTV-8 in the UK since 2008.
During the 2024-2025 vector season, 262 BTV-3 cases and a single BTV-12 case were confirmed in England.
Risk for Ireland
Bluetongue virus is spread by infected biting midges which are present in Ireland and are generally most active between April and November.
The Department of Agriculture has advised that bluetongue replication can only occur in the midge in temperatures above 12°C to 15°C.
“The higher risk period for bluetongue incursion in Ireland via windblown infected midges from Britain and mainland Europe is coming to an end as temperatures steadily decrease,” it said.
It has advised that vigilance is critical to detect any cases promptly before the virus can replicate and become established in local livestock and midge populations.
“Early detection of an incursion of the disease followed by timely action over the coming weeks would help to protect Ireland’s bluetongue disease-free status over the winter months and into the spring until temperatures begin to rise again,” it added.
Vaccines for BTV-3 are not currently permitted in Ireland, but have been authorised for use in Northern Ireland, Britain and other EU countries.
What are the signs?
The Department has advised that there is a wide range of clinical signs are associated with bluetongue virus including:
Fever.Loss or lack of appetite.Drop in milk yield.Reddening of the mucus membranes.Sores on the nose, gum and dental pads. Swelling of the face, lips and tongue (ie bluetongue). Breathing difficulties if the tongue swells. Drooling. Discharge from the eyes and/or nose. Lameness.Abortion or deformities in offspring/foetus. In severe cases, death. Read more
Bluetongue restrictions to be eased in Britain
Watch: over 270 sheep swept away by floodwaters in Wales
Farmers must be vigilant of bluetongue spread as midges increase – ICMSA
Two cases of bluetongue virus serotype three (BTV-3) have been identified on two separate cattle farms in Wales. This is the first time bluetongue has been identified in Wales.
Both cases have been identified on farms on the English border.
The first case was identified on a farm in Presteigne, Powys, and the second is around 50 miles away in Chepstow, Monmouthshire.
Confirmation of the cases comes almost one week after the Welsh government announced that some movement restrictions would be eased for all animals vaccinated against BTV-3 moving from the restricted zone in England into Wales.
This change follows discussions between Welsh government, NFU Cymru and the wider livestock industry about the way forward for BTV-3 control.
England has confirmed 78 cases of BTV-3 since July 2025.
On Friday, one case of bluetongue serotype 8 (BTV-8) was confirmed in a single sheep in Cornwall following reports of suspicious clinical signs.
This is the first case of BTV-8 in the UK since 2008.
During the 2024-2025 vector season, 262 BTV-3 cases and a single BTV-12 case were confirmed in England.
Risk for Ireland
Bluetongue virus is spread by infected biting midges which are present in Ireland and are generally most active between April and November.
The Department of Agriculture has advised that bluetongue replication can only occur in the midge in temperatures above 12°C to 15°C.
“The higher risk period for bluetongue incursion in Ireland via windblown infected midges from Britain and mainland Europe is coming to an end as temperatures steadily decrease,” it said.
It has advised that vigilance is critical to detect any cases promptly before the virus can replicate and become established in local livestock and midge populations.
“Early detection of an incursion of the disease followed by timely action over the coming weeks would help to protect Ireland’s bluetongue disease-free status over the winter months and into the spring until temperatures begin to rise again,” it added.
Vaccines for BTV-3 are not currently permitted in Ireland, but have been authorised for use in Northern Ireland, Britain and other EU countries.
What are the signs?
The Department has advised that there is a wide range of clinical signs are associated with bluetongue virus including:
Fever.Loss or lack of appetite.Drop in milk yield.Reddening of the mucus membranes.Sores on the nose, gum and dental pads. Swelling of the face, lips and tongue (ie bluetongue). Breathing difficulties if the tongue swells. Drooling. Discharge from the eyes and/or nose. Lameness.Abortion or deformities in offspring/foetus. In severe cases, death. Read more
Bluetongue restrictions to be eased in Britain
Watch: over 270 sheep swept away by floodwaters in Wales
Farmers must be vigilant of bluetongue spread as midges increase – ICMSA
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