Bluetongue and drought pile pressure on livestock farms

TFA chief executive George Dunn said the twin pressures were increasing costs and threatening livestock businesses.

“Farmers are dealing with a double whammy of bluetongue and drought. Whilst these may be natural phenomena, the scale of their impact demands a faster, better co-ordinated government response,” he said.

The TFA has submitted proposals to Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), calling for faster, free access to disease reporting and diagnosis, reimbursement of veterinary investigation costs, government-funded testing and greater laboratory capacity.

As of August 14, there were 373 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the UK during the 2026-27 season: 362 in England, nine in Wales and two in Scotland. Bluetongue is a notifiable viral disease spread mainly by biting midges. It affects ruminants but does not affect people or food safety.

Dunn said: “Farmers must not be deterred from reporting suspected disease because telephone lines are overwhelmed, testing is slow or calling out a vet creates an unaffordable bill.”

The TFA is also calling for government support towards vaccine and administration costs, particularly for smaller and tenanted cattle and sheep businesses, plus co-ordination of vaccine supply and bottle-sharing arrangements to cut waste.

“Vaccine access must not depend on farm size, location or cash flow,” Dunn said. “Effective disease control requires government to remove barriers to accessing essential vaccine for livestock.”

The call comes as drought has curtailed grass growth and increased pressure on forage and water supplies. The association wants an emergency support scheme for viable businesses facing exceptional mortality, veterinary bills, feed costs or severe grazing losses.

“Farmers need transparent leadership from government and clear evidence that actions are delivering results to the farm gate,” Dunn said.