Climate Crisis Fuels Bluetongue Outbreak Across UK

British farmers are contending with an unprecedented bluetongue season. As of October 3, 2026, the number of reported cases has already surpassed the total from the previous three seasons combined, with 2,201 cases recorded for the current season (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027).

This viral disease, transmitted by biting midges, affects livestock such as sheep and cattle. Symptoms include fever, ulcers, and lameness, with a characteristic blue tongue in severe cases. The World Organisation for Animal Health attributes the spread of bluetongue from its African origins to Europe and beyond to climate breakdown.

Academics emphasize the direct correlation between environmental temperature and disease transmission. Rising temperatures, exacerbated by the climate crisis, are facilitating the northward spread of bluetongue. This year, the disease has reached Scotland for the first time, with cases identified as far north as Aberdeenshire.

The 2026-27 season has seen 1,103 cases in September alone. While vaccination is available, farmers have found obtaining sufficient vaccines challenging. The increased cost and labor associated with managing bluetongue add further strain to farm businesses already impacted by climate-related issues like drought.

Experts warn that this record outbreak is a precursor to future challenges. Milder winters and hotter summers, driven by climate change, allow pests and pathogens previously unable to survive in the UK to establish themselves. This trend poses significant risks not only to agriculture but also to the general public, as evidenced by recent findings of mosquitoes capable of transmitting Zika and dengue in London.

To mitigate these risks, adequate preparation, including animal vaccinations, is crucial. However, the ultimate solution lies in addressing the root cause: climate change. Reducing emissions to net zero is essential to halt global warming and prevent the increasing likelihood of such disease outbreaks.