NSA urges farmers to keep reporting bluetongue to protect future control
13th October 2026
National Sheep Association (NSA) is urging sheep farmers across the UK to keep reporting suspected cases of bluetongue. Every report submitted builds the picture of where the virus is and how it is behaving. Without this how we control bluetongue in the future becomes more challenging.
Latest Defra figures show 37 new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) confirmed in England on Sunday (11th October 2026). A fall in cases should be welcome news. But NSA is hearing that some suspected cases are going unreported, which means nobody can say with confidence to what extent the virus is slowing down or simply going unseen.
Latest Defra figures show 2,812 premises in England confirmed with bluetongue this season. Bluetongue remains a notifiable disease, and anyone who suspects it is legally required to report it.
Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says: “NSA understands the impact that Bluetongue has had on farmers across the UK this year. It is however important to reiterate that reporting gives us a picture of what is happening and is also important for guarding against diseases such as Foot and Mouth. Every report submitted tells us where bluetongue is, how fast it is moving and whether the measures in place are working. Without that information we are working blind, and decisions about control next season will only be as good as the evidence gathered now.
“More animals have been vaccinated this year, and that is good news. But we must keep pushing to reach the protection needed for ‘herd immunity’. Cooler weather will slow the virus and the midges that spread it, but bluetongue is still circulating. Please keep reporting. Talk to your vet, and if you don’t have a close relationship with your vet, call APHA.”
Defra’s current risk assessment notes temperatures in many parts of the UK remain high enough for the virus to develop inside midges, so onward transmission is still taking place.
In England, the online form can only be completed by a private vet following a clinical examination on farm. Keepers cannot submit it themselves. Keepers who choose not to involve a vet must report suspicion directly to APHA on 03000 200301. In Wales, call 03003 038268. In Scotland, contact your local APHA Field Services Office. Lines are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
APHA has also reminded vets a bluetongue diagnosis does not rule out other notifiable diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease. Where the clinical picture is unusual, or the number of sick animals rises quickly, APHA must be called immediately rather than using the online form.
More information at gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue
