Five cases of bluetongue identified in county

Five cases of bluetongue have been identified in Shropshire livestock in the last week.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said one ewe was found to have the virus on Monday, while cases were confirmed in two cattle on 17 September, and a further two cattle on 19 September.

Bluetongue (BTV-3) is a virus transmitted by midge bites that affects cattle, sheep and goats.

It is not clear exactly where the cases are in Shropshire, but a map from the Animal and Plant Health Agency shows two cases of at least one animal in the west of the county, and one in the east.

Defra said the total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain since July 2025 was 60, and all cases had been in England.

Movement of livestock from England into Wales is still restricted without a negative test, as is transporting unvaccinated animals across the border.

From Monday, livestock with a completed course of bluetongue vaccination could be taken to markets within 12 miles (20km) of the Welsh border.

The virus presents no threat to food safety or human health but can be fatal for livestock, and outbreaks result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions.

Symptoms in sheep can include death, lameness, breathing problems and stillbirth.

In cattle, symptoms can include milk drop, fever, lack of appetite, stillbirths and lethargy.

Pregnant ewes and cattle who are bitten can birth calves and lambs that are small, weak, deformed or blind.

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