Blue tongue disease in the United Kingdom. It has never been this bad.

The blue tongue disease (BTV) primarily affects sheep, cattle, and goats, causing fever, lesions, abortions, and even death. Characterized by a blue discoloration of the tongue, the disease has spread across Europe due to climate change and was first detected in England in 2023. This year's outbreak has been particularly severe, with nearly 3,500 cases reported in Scotland, Wales, and England, significantly higher than previous years. Farmers are facing immense emotional and financial stress due to animal deaths, reduced milk production, and increased veterinary costs. Although a vaccine exists, many farmers hesitated to vaccinate due to high costs and uncertainty about the threat level.