Industry experts warn midges could spread disease as temperatures rise

LIVESTOCK farmers are being urged to vaccinate their animals now against Bluetongue Virus (BTV) before warmer weather brings an increase in midge activity.

Veterinary experts say early vaccination is the best way to protect sheep, cattle, goats and deer from the disease, which is primarily spread by biting midges of the Culicoides species.

Bluetongue can also occasionally be transmitted from an infected dam to its offspring or during mating.

Phil Thomas BVetMed from Iechyd Da warned that farmers should not delay.

“Vaccination is now the only tool left in the box – there is no treatment,” he said.

“The vaccine takes several weeks to build protection in sheep and cattle, so farmers need to act early to ensure their animals are protected before midge season begins.”

Serious economic impact

Bluetongue can cause significant losses for farms even when animals survive infection.

Industry experts warn the virus can lead to sudden drops in milk production in dairy herds, abortions and stillbirths, infertility in breeding animals, and severe welfare problems including swelling, lameness and breathing difficulties.

Where the risk comes from

The disease can spread through several routes.

Local midge populations may already carry the virus in areas where outbreaks have previously occurred, particularly along the English and Welsh borders. Infected midges can also be blown across the sea from affected regions such as Devon, Cornwall or the east coast of Ireland.

Livestock carrying the virus in their bloodstream can then infect local midge populations, potentially triggering new outbreaks.

Farmers are also advised to take care when buying animals, particularly if they are coming from affected areas.

Warmer weather increases danger

Unlike many livestock diseases, Bluetongue spreads through biting insects rather than direct contact between animals.

Once temperatures consistently reach around 12°C, midge activity increases rapidly. By the time farmers see insects or hear about nearby cases, their livestock may already be exposed.

Fiona Lovatt, a sheep health specialist from Flock Health, advised farmers to plan ahead.

“If I had valuable stock, I would definitely be vaccinating my breeding cows and ewes,” she said.

“They need to be fully protected at least three weeks before June and, for cattle, that means having both doses completed by then.”

Steps farmers should take now

Veterinary experts recommend farmers contact their vet as soon as possible to check vaccine availability and schedule vaccinations well before peak midge season.

Transporting livestock also carries risks, as infected animals moved into disease-free areas can infect local midge populations and start new outbreaks.

Good hygiene during veterinary procedures is also important. Bluetongue can be spread mechanically via needles, so needles should ideally be changed between animals.

Managing the risk

Midge activity is typically highest at dusk and dawn. Housing animals during these times may help reduce the risk of infection.

Farmers are also advised to ensure livestock are in good overall health. Conditions such as BVD or parasite burdens, as well as poor nutrition, can weaken the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of vaccination.

Vaccination concerns

Experts say there is no scientific evidence that bluetongue vaccination during pregnancy increases the risk of abortion compared with other routine livestock vaccines.

Abi Reader, NFU Cymru President and a farmer at Goldsland Farm, said her herd was vaccinated despite many animals being pregnant at the time.

“A large proportion of our livestock were at different stages of pregnancy when we vaccinated, but we didn’t hesitate,” she said.

“The risk to their health from the virus was simply far greater than the risk of vaccination.”

Reporting suspected cases

Bluetongue remains a notifiable disease.

Farmers who suspect an outbreak should contact their vet or the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately on 0300 303 8268.

A CHARITY tractor road run across the Llŷn Peninsula will take place later this spring, raising money for two important health causes in north Wales.

The Welsh National Tractor Road Run (WNTRR) 2026 is scheduled for Sunday (May 31), starting at 10:00am from Crugarn Farm in Llanbedrog, near Pwllheli.

Organised by the Llŷn and Eifionydd Tractor Enthusiasts, the popular event will bring together tractor owners from across Wales and beyond for a scenic drive through the countryside while supporting charity.

This year’s run will raise funds for two beneficiaries: the Wales Air Ambulance and the Alaw Cancer Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.

Support for vital services

The Wales Air Ambulance provides lifesaving emergency treatment across Wales, often reaching patients in remote rural areas where rapid response is critical. Meanwhile, Alaw Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd supports cancer patients and their families across north Wales.

Organisers say the tractor run offers a chance for the farming and rural community to come together while raising money for causes that make a real difference.

The event has become a highlight in the calendar for vintage tractor enthusiasts, with tractors of all makes and sizes expected to take part.

Entry details for participants

Entries are open to tractor owners who wish to take part in the run. Entry costs £20 if submitted before the closing date of May 20. On-the-day entries will be accepted at £25.

Participants are asked to ensure their tractors are fully insured and road legal, and that drivers hold the appropriate licence.

All tractors are welcome, although larger machines will be grouped together at the rear of the convoy. Transport boxes and trailers with safe seating will be permitted, but standing passengers or bales are not allowed.

Caterers will be present at the start point and again during the lunch break, with toilet facilities available.

Late entries may be accepted, although organisers say drivers submitting forms after the closing date might not receive a souvenir or have their names included in the official programme.

How to enter

Drivers wishing to take part can request an entry form or further details from the event secretary, Anne Bates, by emailing [email protected] or calling 07721 910405.

Entry forms should be returned to Little Gigrin, Rhayader, Powys LD6 5NU.

Organisers say the run promises a relaxed day out for tractor enthusiasts and supporters alike, while helping to raise funds for two vital Welsh healthcare charities.

A PEMBROKESHIRE MP has said local farmers must be “at the heart” of upcoming UK–EU negotiations aimed at reducing trade barriers on agricultural products.

Henry Tufnell raised the issue with ministers this week, stressing that family farms play a crucial role in the county’s rural economy, culture, and food production.

Speaking about the negotiations, the Labour MP said new arrangements between the UK and the European Union could present a significant opportunity for Welsh agriculture if handled correctly.

Family farms central to talks

Mr Tufnell said he had asked the UK Government to confirm that the interests of farmers in counties like Pembrokeshire would be fully represented as discussions move forward.

“Family farms are the backbone of Pembrokeshire’s rural economy, culture, and food production,” he said.

“The UK’s upcoming negotiations with the EU will reduce trade barriers on agricultural products, presenting a significant opportunity for our local economy.”

He added that ensuring Welsh farmers benefit from improved market access must remain a priority.

“This week I asked the Minister to confirm that Pembrokeshire farmers are at the heart of these negotiations,” he said.

“I will keep working with both the UK and Welsh Labour Governments to ensure that Pembrokeshire farmers get the maximum benefit from our new relationship with the EU.”

Trade opportunities and concerns

Agriculture remains one of the sectors most affected by changes in the UK’s trading relationship with the EU following Brexit.

The European Union was historically the largest export market for British agricultural products, including Welsh lamb and beef, both of which are key industries in Pembrokeshire and across rural Wales.

Reducing regulatory barriers or simplifying export processes could make it easier for farmers to sell produce into European markets.

However, some farming organisations have previously raised concerns that future agreements could also lead to increased competition from imported food products if safeguards are not in place.

The National Farmers’ Union has repeatedly called for any new trade arrangements to protect high standards in animal welfare, environmental protection, and food safety.

Importance to Pembrokeshire economy

Farming remains a major part of Pembrokeshire’s economy, with family-run farms producing livestock, dairy, and arable crops across the county.

Many rural communities depend directly or indirectly on the agricultural sector through supply chains, food processing, tourism, and local employment.

Mr Tufnell’s comments come at a time when farmers are also facing rising costs for fuel, fertiliser, and feed, alongside ongoing uncertainty about agricultural support payments following the UK’s departure from the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.

The MP said he intends to continue raising the issue in Westminster to ensure rural communities in West Wales benefit from any new trading opportunities.

“The priority must be making sure that farmers in Pembrokeshire are supported and able to thrive in the years ahead,” he said.