51AVÊÓÆµ

More bluetongue-related abortions and birth defects reported on farms

Vets have raised concern that current bluetongue testing arrangements may inadvertently weaken disease surveillance

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth said: "There are a number of other important infectious causes of abortion, some with implications for both animal and human health, which require timely diagnosis through local laboratory networks. The current constraints risk delaying or preventing those diagnoses, with consequences for animal welfare, farm productivity and wider biosecurity."
Image:

Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth said: "There are a number of other important infectious causes of abortion, some with implications for both animal and human health, which require timely diagnosis through local laboratory networks. The current constraints risk delaying or preventing those diagnoses, with consequences for animal welfare, farm productivity and wider biosecurity."

Farms in England have continued to report a worrying rise in cattle abortions and calves being born with neurological disorders after testing positive for bluetongue. Out of the 36 positive cases of...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Animal Health

More bluetongue-related abortions and birth defects reported on farms

More bluetongue-related abortions and birth defects reported on farms

Vets have raised concern that current bluetongue testing arrangements may inadvertently weaken disease surveillance

Chris Brayford
clock 27 March 2026 • 3 min read
Letters: "It is not well known that the British Government was no longer in charge of policy on foot-and-mouth in 2001"

Letters: "It is not well known that the British Government was no longer in charge of policy on foot-and-mouth in 2001"

This week from Farmers Guardian readers: Duncan Pickard, Balmullo, Scotland, discusses the risks of illegal meat imports and the lessons from past foot-and-mouth outbreaks, questioning whether the UK is now better prepared to respond

Duncan Pickard
clock 24 March 2026 • 1 min read
2001 UK foot-and-mouth outbreak - 25 years on: "Strong border controls remain vital"

2001 UK foot-and-mouth outbreak - 25 years on: "Strong border controls remain vital"

25 years on from the foot-and-mouth crisis in the UK, Ashford Port Health Authority said border security controls play a critical role in maintaining national biosecurity, protecting farmers' livelihoods and supporting the long-term resilience of the agricultural sector

Chris Brayford
clock 19 March 2026 • 3 min read