Summary of the Cornwall bluetongue case
A case of bluetongue virus strain BTV-8 has been confirmed in a sheep on a premises near Launceston, Cornwall, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) announced on Friday. This marks the first UK case of the BTV-8 strain since 2008, while authorities say 78 other cases of BTV-3 have been recorded in England since July 2025. Bluetongue is spread mainly by midges and is a notifiable livestock disease that can be fatal. APHA emphasised that the virus does not pose a risk to human health or food safety. Any movements on or off the affected premises will be traced and tested as part of the response.
What bluetongue is and why BTV-8 matters
Bluetongue affects ruminant animals including sheep, cattle, deer, goats and camelids. The BTV-8 strain was prominent across parts of Europe between 2006 and 2009, prompting vaccination campaigns that helped stop its spread. The Pirbright Institute notes that bluetongue was once considered exotic in the UK before that outbreak. As a notifiable disease, the detection triggers strict measures to safeguard livestock population and trade.
Signs and consequences
Clinical signs can include ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose, discharge from the eyes or nose, drooling and swelling of the lips, tongue, head and neck. In severe cases, illness can be fatal in affected animals and may lead to longer-term productivity losses at the flock level. The current case in Cornwall follows a separate incident earlier this month in which a ram tested positive for BTV-3.
Implications for farms and movement controls
The discovery of BTV-8 in Cornwall arrives amid ongoing vigilance and surveillance. Midges transmit the virus between livestock, and authorities routinely trace movements from close-by holdings to contain any outbreak. Notably, movement of livestock from England into Wales is currently restricted without a negative test, and transporting unvaccinated animals across the border is also restricted, to limit spread and protect other herds.
What farmers should do and how to prepare
Farmers and veterinarians are urged to be alert for suspicious clinical signs such as mouth ulcers, nasal discharge or sudden drooling in sheep and other ruminants. Any concerns should be reported promptly to the APHA or local veterinary advisers. Ongoing vaccination programs for BTV-8 and related strains may be considered where appropriate, under veterinary guidance, as part of long-term disease control. Maintaining biosecurity, regular monitoring, and documenting animal movements remain essential to prevent future incidents.
Next steps and public health note
The APHA will continue to monitor the situation, conduct testing as needed, and coordinate with veterinary partners to assess risk to other holdings. While bluetongue poses a serious threat to livestock, it does not affect human health or food safety, allowing continued production with appropriate control measures and movement restrictions in place.
