Bluetongue Active Transmission Prompts Control Zones in Welsh Farms

The bluetongue virus (BTV), a serious viral disease transmitted by biting midges, has been confirmed to be actively circulating in Wales, prompting the establishment of a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) around an affected farm near Chepstow in Monmouthshire. The TCZ aims to restrict livestock movements to prevent further spread and enable enhanced surveillance, following investigations that confirmed active midge-borne transmission of BTV serotype 3 (BTV-3). The disease affects ruminants such as cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and camelids but poses no risk to humans or food safety. Welsh officials, including the Chief Veterinary Officer Richard Irvine and Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, have urged farmers to remain vigilant, report suspected cases, and vaccinate livestock, emphasizing vaccination as the best protection against the disease's economic and welfare impacts. Additional cases have been identified in Powys, and livestock movement restrictions, along with calls for responsible sourcing of stock, remain in place. The outbreak has raised concerns among farmers and political figures, with calls for financial support due to the economic losses caused by movement restrictions.