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Saturday , September 12 2026

Vets can diagnose bluetongue virus to cut test waiting times

A new heat map, external has also been published so farmers can see where suspected and confirmed cases of bluetongue were being reported, said Defra.

Spread mainly by midge bites, the virus was confirmed in a sheep in Cornwall in September 2025 in the first recorded case in the UK in 17 years.

This strain was introduced into Cornwall from midges blown in wind from northern France but scientists believe the virus likely spread rapidly after overwintering in parts of the UK.

The outbreak has hit the agriculture sector hard and some farmers fear it will have a lasting impact.

Jerry Sanders-Carr, who runs Exe Valley Lamb, near Exeter, said he had lost 15% of his sheep to the virus.

“Talking to some of the guys who’ve been going out picking up large numbers of dead animals every morning, some of these guys I’m sure there’s going to be a lasting impact on them,” he said.

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