Britain is experiencing its worst bluetongue outbreak on record, with case numbers already exceeding the total from the previous three years combined, according to The Guardian.
The viral disease affects livestock including sheep and cattle. Infected animals develop fevers, ulcers, facial swelling and lameness. The virus can cause the tongue to swell and turn blue, sometimes protruding from the mouth. Severe infections can be fatal.
The outbreak has spread as far north as Aberdeenshire in Scotland. The Guardian attributes the crisis to the climate crisis, noting that bluetongue originated in Africa and has now reached British farms at an unprecedented scale.
The piece does not provide specific case numbers, dates when cases began accelerating, details on how the virus entered Britain, confirmed mortality rates, or measures being deployed to contain spread. It also does not name affected farms, regions beyond Aberdeenshire, or statements from farming organisations or government veterinary authorities.