11/08/2026
Blue tongue in Newton Stewart!
We are now at 289 confirmed cases, with over 1500 pending cases, including the first reported case in Newton Stewart Dumfries Scotland.
Whilst you need to have a conversation with your vet to get Blue tongue vaccine, if you think you might avoid it, then the numbers above suggest differently. We are now 5 weeks in and the high temperatures are causing fast replication of the virus and midge transmission.
At present there are reports of a scarcity of available vaccine, but if you require to join a queue then you are better further up the queue than asking too late. The vaccine takes either 21 to 28 days to take full effect depending on manufacturer.
There are numerous videos now on social media of folk who havent vaccinated and are now in what can only be described as a circle of hell where they treat infected animals, some live, some die, but they continue getting new infected animals and the circle continues.
Whilst we have previously featured cost calculators, I'm not sure they take into account the full cost, you don't just have your costs for losses, there are the costs for vet visits, fallen stock scheme, medication, hours treating animals and most importantly the mental strain that can take its toll. From videos folk are racking up £1000 of pounds in costs with smaller flocks and even the perceived high cost of vaccination was cheaper.
Also, consider if you lose a part of your flock genetics what would that mean to you, many have spent a lifetime breeding. Also consider what genetics may be rare and valuable to the Hebridean breed its self. Top knots, 4 horns , rarer lines etc.
It may be that you can only get 50 doses initially and you have 75 sheep , what/who do you prioritise. It may be good to ask yourself that question now and make a plan.
Whilst not wishing to be alarmist, the situation is what it is, it wont suddenly go away, at present the perceived spike is mid September but all weather dependant.
It is appreciated that some folk are in more remote corners and will rightly feel safer but it only takes one animal movement. We should all be making considerations of what on an individual basis you should do, the risks facing you, upgrade your skills and knowledge as to what the signs are and what treatment to use. Best chance for sheep survival has been quick decisive action after spotting signs get appropriate meds etc in. Treat as you would for BT even if not confirmed.
Dehydration seems to have been a big issue, folk have been drenching with water and glucose (and twin lamb drench), having water available near to sheep not in a trough at the other end of the field / shed seems to be anecdotally giving better results . Also having sheep as healthy as they can be without burdens sees more positive outcomes
The above is not written from a veterinary back ground but from the prospective of a farmer with his eyes wide open, feel free to use or ignore the information as you wish
Remember it is a notifiable disease, there is help out there.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-latest-situation?fbclid=IwdGRjcATm9M1URENQBOUEQ3Bkb2YBZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEete-G09nELCGBVm0-M9X5l50rqSbO3erXkdFCt7qnCNYduTNBxazvoKaUwek_aem_fz_ikP2JeKcoXFbPWHdGGQ
