UK farms face record bluetongue outbreak linked to climate change

The World Organisation for Animal Health connects the spread of bluetongue to Europe over the past two decades with climate change. The specific strain, serotype 3 (BTV-3), was first identified in England in 2023. Academics note that hotter temperatures directly contribute to the virus's spread into more northerly regions.

While bluetongue does not pose a risk to human health or food safety, it causes symptoms such as fever, ulcers, swelling, and lameness in animals, and can be fatal in severe cases. Robyn Munt, vice-president of the National Farmers’ Union, highlighted the constant vigilance required from farmers and the challenges in obtaining vaccines, especially after a year of drought-related costs. The disease has this summer spread into Scotland for the first time, reaching Aberdeenshire.

Tom Cantillon, a senior analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, stated that the record outbreak is a precursor to future challenges, as milder winters and hotter summers allow pests and pathogens previously unable to survive in the UK to establish themselves. He emphasized the need for adequate preparation, including vaccinations, but stressed that ultimately, reducing emissions to net zero is crucial to prevent such outbreaks from becoming more frequent.