Great Britain’s worst-ever bluetongue season ‘a major animal welfare crisis’

The Guardian Environment Tuesday 03 November 2026, 15:50 UTC By Matthew Pearce 1 min read

Key Points

British Veterinary Association president tells MPs surge in cases putting farmers under severe pressure and stressThe worst bluetongue season on record has been a major animal welfare crisis in Great Britain, MPs have been told, putting farmers under “severe emotional stress”. Bluetongue, a viral disease that affects sheep, cattle and goats, can cause fever, lesions, stillbirths and death. The tongue may go blue and protrude from the mouth.

British Veterinary Association president tells MPs surge in cases putting farmers under severe pressure and stress

The worst bluetongue season on record has been a major animal welfare crisis in Great Britain, MPs have been told, putting farmers under “severe emotional stress”.

Bluetongue, a viral disease that affects sheep, cattle and goats, can cause fever, lesions, stillbirths and death. The tongue may go blue and protrude from the mouth.

Great Britain’s (LOCATION) British Veterinary Association (ORG) Great Britain (LOCATION)

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Great Britain’s worst-ever bluetongue season ‘a major animal welfare crisis’

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