Bluetongue control zone declared in Wales after four cases confirmed

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Richard Irvine, confirmed that a farm near Chepstow in Monmouthshire has active midge‑borne transmission of the disease. Further cases have since been identified at two premises in Powys, near Llangammarch Wells and Gladestry.

The affected cattle are being culled in line with the UK’s Bluetongue control strategy, and restrictions remain in place on the farms. A Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) has been introduced around the Monmouthshire premises to limit livestock movements and allow further surveillance.

What is Bluetongue?

Bluetongue is a viral disease spread mainly by biting midges. It affects ruminants such as cattle, sheep, goats and deer, as well as camelids including alpacas and llamas.

• It does not affect people or food safety.
• Symptoms can include fever, lesions, redness of the mouth and nose, excessive salivation and nasal discharge, though some animals show no signs.

Control zone declared after Monmouthshire outbreak

CVO Richard Irvine said the TCZ was necessary because there was “clear evidence of active midge‑borne transmission” at the Monmouthshire farm.

“Vaccination is the best way to protect livestock and livelihoods from the worst impacts of this potentially devastating disease,” he said. “I urge animal keepers to discuss Bluetongue vaccination with their vet now.”

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Huw Irranca‑Davies added:

“Our success to this point has been crucial in buying our farmers the time they needed to vaccinate their animals and prepare for Bluetongue. Everyone needs to now play their part and help manage where Bluetongue disease is appearing.”

Farmers warn of financial hit from livestock restrictions

The Welsh Conservatives criticised the Labour Government’s handling of the outbreak. Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary Samuel Kurtz MS said farmers were already facing “significant financial losses” from movement restrictions and called for urgent financial support.

“Now is the time for practical action and for government to stand alongside our farmers,” he said.

Union urges vigilance and vaccination after first Welsh cases

NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader said the confirmation of four cases was “a concern to livestock keepers but not surprising” given the spread across the border.

She urged farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 0300 303 8268, and to discuss vaccination with their vets.

At a glance: Bluetongue in Wales

• 📍 Cases confirmed: 1 in Monmouthshire, 2 in Powys
• 🐄 Animals affected: Cattle (culled under control strategy)
• 🦟 Transmission: Mainly via biting midges
• 👩‍⚕️ Advice: Farmers urged to vaccinate and report suspected cases
• 🚫 Impact on people: No risk to humans or food safety