Cases of bluetongue virus confirmed in Shropshire
BBCFour cases of the potentially fatal to cattle bluetongue virus have been confirmed in Shropshire.
They are part of the latest figures from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which bring the total cases in the UK in 2026-27 to 618.
The locations of the four premises affected in Shropshire have not been publicly revealed.
Defra has also not disclosed if the cases are in sheep or cattle but a spokesperson said, of the 25 new cases across the country in the latest update, 18 involved sheep, six cattle and one at a mixed farm affecting both.
Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease affecting sheep and cattle among other animals, mainly spread by biting midges, which thrive in long, hot summers like the one the UK is experiencing.
It is not dangerous to humans and poses no risk.
Earlier this month, a Shropshire farmer said he was concerned about the outbreak due to a shortage of vaccines used to protect the animals.
Of the current 618 cases, 580 are in England, with 29 in Wales and nine in Scotland, meanwhile Northern Ireland are yet to have a confirmed case.
Defra said it was "working closely with the industry and is putting processes in for additional vaccine supplies".
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) will hold a meeting in Shrewsbury on Wednesday evening, as part of a country-wide series, to offer an update on the virus to the county's farmers.
Industry experts with advice on the signs of the virus and updates around vaccinations are expected to attend the meeting at Shrewsbury Auction Centre.
According to the latest government figures there are currently 2,236 potential cases of bluetongue under investigation in Great Britain.
They are all at sites that have reported suspicious clinical signs.
Defra added that the total number of affected animals is likely to be significantly higher than reported as testing did not always include every animal on a premises.
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