There are at least two confirmed cases of bluetongue in Wiltshire as numbers continue to rise.
Livestock farmers have been on high alert for the deadly disease this summer with a current total of 670 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) reported in the UK for the 2026/27 season.
The official number may be higher as according to Defra, there are currently 2,456 potential cases of bluetongue under investigation in Great Britain.
These are premises that have reported suspicious clinical signs.
The latest figures for bluetongue season show 610 cases in England, 49 in Wales and 11 in Scotland.
There are no confirmed cases in Northern Ireland.
Earlier this month, the NFU stated BTV-3 cases had risen quickly this season, and warm weather had brought favourable conditions for biting midges, the insects that spread the virus.
Bluetongue is notifiable, so all suspected cases must be reported immediately.
The NFU advises farmers to speak to their vet about vaccine options, consider housing vulnerable animals during peak risk periods and reduce standing water and muck where midges breed.
There were 11 new cases of BTV-3 confirmed on Wednesday, 26 August.
Areas affected included Staffordshire, Lancashire, Somerset, Dorset, Shropshire, Cheshire East, Herefordshire and Cheshire West and Chester.
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