UK records worst outbreak of bluetongue disease

In 2026, the UK experienced its worst outbreak of bluetongue, a dangerous viral infection of domestic animals, including cattle, that causes fever and swelling, and also affects the mucous membranes. The Guardian newspaper reports this.

“British farmers are experiencing their worst bluetongue season on record,” it said. It is noted that since the beginning of July 2026, more than two thousand cases of fever infection have been registered, more than half of which were recorded in September.

It is clarified that the virus, distributed mainly in Africa, was first discovered in the UK in 2023. According to the publication, the emergence of the disease is associated with climate warming and the proliferation of mosquitoes that infect livestock with bluetongue. This fever is not dangerous for humans.