animal disease

Following the first confirmed cases of bluetongue in Wales, in the 2025/26 vector season, the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Wales has implemented a Temporary Control Zone

Welsh farmers have already been counting the losses in trade due to bluetongue restrictions, but the sector will have to wait another two weeks before they can potentially take vaccinated livestock to one of eight eligible markets in England

Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth writes for Farmers Guardian on the heartbreak of animal disease on-farm, such as bovine TB, and how years of hard work can be compromised by a single positive test

Farmers said new bluetongue restrictions could have long-term implications on trade, the viability of rural businesses, and farmers' health

Former Defra Secretary George Eustice discusses trade, imports, the EU reset and the importance of technology in agriculture

Liberal Democrat MP Dr Danny Chambers said the UK needs to get serious and start preparing for the next animal disease outbreak

The National Pig Association (NPA) said it was ‘extremely alarming’ pork products were being offered at a shop exclusively accessible to people travelling to London

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society said it has made the difficult decision not to accept livestock entries from England and Scotland due to the risk of bluetongue transmission

NSA said while the bluetongue vaccine offered another tool for farmers, it would not protect livestock totally

It is estimated the dairy industry will need to spend £3.9 billion over the next 10 years to improve its climate resilience, which he said worked out at around £500,000 for each farm – or an additional 2.4 pence per litre