Bluetongue cases identified across Shropshire
DEFRA says only this week a ewe was found to have the virus
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have confirmed 5 cases of bluetongue have been identified in Shropshire.
Defra said this week, a ewe was found to have the virus - the 5th animal this month.
Cases were also confirmed in cattle on the 17th September and 19th September.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease caused by infection and is mainly spread by biting midges.
Bluetongue virus affects:
- sheep
- cattle
- other ruminants such as deer and goats
- camelids such as llamas and alpacas
The government says rarely, bluetongue can affect dogs and other carnivores if they eat infected material (such as aborted material and afterbirth).
It does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions.
Defra have not confirmed where in Shropshire the cases are, but a map shows some in the West and East.
In a statement, it said: "The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain for the 2025 to 2026 vector season (since July 2025) is 60. All cases have been in England.
"The restricted zone for bluetongue was extended to cover all of England on 1 July 2025. You can now move animals within England without a specific bluetongue licence or pre-movement testing.
"You will need a specific licence to freeze germinal products anywhere in England and testing will be required. Keepers will be responsible for the cost of sampling, postage and testing
"Temperatures have continued to reduce in recent weeks, and experts consider the risk of onward spread by vectors in south-east and East Anglia to be high (event occurs very often), and in the south-west and north-east to be medium (event occurs regularly).
"The risk in eastern counties in Scotland is low (event is rare but does occur).
"The risk of incursion of bluetongue virus (including serotypes not currently circulating in England) from all routes remains at medium (occurs regularly)."