Guidance

Poor reproductive performance in cattle and sheep during Bluetongue outbreaks

Guidance for vets on investigating poor reproductive performance in sheep and cattle, when bluetongue virus (BTV) should be considered as a potential cause.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 12 February 2026
• Last updated: 24 February 2026 — See all updates

Documents

Investigating poor reproductive performance in cattle and sheep during Bluetongue outbreaks (accessible version)

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Investigating poor reproductive performance in cattle and sheep during Bluetongue outbreaks

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Details

Information notes provide vets with further guidance for circumstances such as:

• unusual seasonal events
• emerging diseases
• outbreaks of non-statutory disease

Guidance from APHA’s Surveillance Intelligence Unit (SIU).

Published 12 February 2026

Last updated 24 February 2026 + show all updates

1. 24 February 2026

   In table 7, the required sample for Toxoplasma PCR has been corrected to placenta. In table 6, faeces was added as a required sample for Johne’s PCR. In table 5, the guidance on testing for Pyretic agents has been edited to make it clearer.

2. 12 February 2026

   First published.