草榴社区

Become a 草榴社区 Guardian member

More bluetongue-related abortions and birth defects reported on farms

Vets have raised concern that current bluetongue testing arrangements may inadvertently weaken disease surveillance

Chris Brayford

27 March 2026 鈥� 3 min read

Image:

Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth said: "There are a number of other important infectious causes of abortion, some with implications for both animal and human health, which require timely diagnosis through local laboratory networks. The current constraints risk delaying or preventing those diagnoses, with consequences for animal welfare, farm productivity and wider biosecurity."

Farms in England have continued to report a worrying rise in cattle abortions and calves being born with neurological disorders after testing positive for bluetongue. Out of the 36 positive cases of...

To continue reading...