Focus Farm Vets Ltd.

27/07/2026

Sudden death in sheep and a high number of abortions in cattle herds are amongst some of the BTV signs we have seen so far this month. BTV has been confirmed on 12 farms in England and 1 in Wales since 1st July. The number of cases being reported is increasing.

BTV clinical signs can vary, so stay vigilant for the signs below and report suspicions of disease to the APHA.

For the latest on case updates see: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-latest-situation

Please contact your flock and/or herd health vet for support and help

27/07/2026

❗️❗️ We have had our first suspect cases of Bluetongue for the year in some poorly sheep❗️❗️
When reporting to APHA, they said they are extremely busy with suspect cases. There is a 2 week time lag between sampling and results so current cases are likely to be much higher than the numbers stated below.
Please be vigilent, consider vaccinating if you have not, and speak to us if any concerns.

The number of confirmed bluetongue (BTV-3) cases in England has risen to 17 since the start of the 2026/27 bluetongue season on 1st July.

Defra indicated there have also been two cases of the disease in Wales since the beginning of the season, whilst no cases have so far been recorded in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

This brought the total number of cases in the UK to 19 since 1st July.

16/07/2026

14 July 2026

Two new cases of BTV-3 were confirmed in England on 14 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

2 calves in Cheshire born blind, unable to stand properly and with other neurological signs tested positive for BTV-3

1 cow in Devon with crusting of muzzle, reddened and swollen eyes and reddening of teats tested positive for BTV-3

10 July 2026

One new case of BTV-3 was confirmed in England on 10 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

One ewe Staffordshire presented with head swelling, drooling, crusty nostrils and lameness on all four feet. 

The midges that spread bluetongue became active again on 31 March 2026. Following the recent warm weather, experts advise that cumulative temperatures are now high enough for the virus to develop inside the midges, and onward transmission is now possible.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-latest-situation

13/07/2026

Find us in our usual spot next to the cattle ring. Join us for some refreshments and some delicious Landrivick beef baps.

10/06/2026

❗️☎️ We are having some problems with our phone line this morning. If you are struggling to get through, please ring: 07834 169 690 ☎️❗️

04/06/2026

Privilege 😊

🌟 Royal Cornwall Show Sponsor Spotlights 🌟

As day one of this year’s Royal Cornwall Show draws to a close, the Cornwall Simmental Club would like to say a huge thank you to Focus Farm Vets for their valued support of the club and this year’s show.

Focus Farm Vets provide dedicated farm veterinary services across Cornwall, working closely with livestock farmers to support herd health, productivity, and animal welfare. Their practical and proactive approach has made them a highly valued part of the local agricultural community, and they continue to support many Cornwall Simmental Club members within their own farming businesses.

As one of the club’s principal sponsors, we are incredibly grateful for the support Focus Farm Vets continue to show towards the Cornwall Simmental Club and the promotion of the Simmental breed. Visitors to this year’s Royal Cornwall Show will also be able to find members of the Focus Farm Vets team on our club stand on Friday, where they will be available to answer questions and speak with visitors throughout the day.

Focus Farm Vets Ltd.

03/06/2026

Please say hello to the team and join us for some refreshments by kind invitation of Cornwall Simmental club. Good luck to all those showing. We hope you have a fantastic few days. 🐮🐂🐑🐏🐖

13/05/2026

Bluetongue 8 vaccine is now in stock with our wholesalers so we can order it for next day delivery. We would strongly advise vaccinating against this strain as well as 3 to ensure your animals remain protected. Please speak to one of the team is this is something you would like to use in your stock.

SYVAZUL VACCINE FOR BTV-8

Syvazul BTV 8 for sheep and cattle is now in stock and available for immediate use across England, Scotland and Wales. Virbac has indicated that the vaccine can be used during pregnancy and lactation and carries a zero‑day withdrawal period, supporting uninterrupted farm productivity.

Bluetongue Serotype 8 was detected in the South‑West of England towards the end of last year’s vector season and has since been confirmed in the South‑East, including East Sussex. Vaccines are available for BTV-3 and are in good supply, but it is important to understand that they offer no cross-protection against BTV-8 or other serotype.

Vaccination against Bluetongue – both BTV-3 and BTV-8 – remains the most effective tool for reducing clinical signs and lowering viral load within a herd or flock.