More than 590 cases were reported last week, according to the National Sheep Association (NSA). The National Farmers’ Union vice-president, Robyn Munt, said: “Bluetongue is continuing to spread at an alarming rate and is a significant concern for livestock farmers across the country. View image in fullscreen A sheep with bluetongue at a farm in the Netherlands in 2024. “With the closure of the basic payments system and the reduction in budget available for agri-environment schemes, upland sheep farmers are already teetering on the brink,” Elson said. A National Audit Office report last year said the UK may be underprepared for a serious animal disease outbreak.