British farms face the 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 sheep, cattle and other livestock. Symptoms include fevers, ulcers, a swollen head and lameness. The tongue may turn blue and protrude from the mouth. Severe infections can prove fatal.
The outbreak has spread as far north as Aberdeenshire in Scotland. The disease originated in Africa.
The Guardian reports that the climate crisis has been blamed for the spread. The source material does not provide specific case numbers, names of affected farms, regional breakdown of cases beyond the Aberdeenshire reference, or details on any official response measures being taken.