The Conservatives have called for financial support for farmers, claiming ministers have been “asleep at the wheel” as bluetongue cases spread across the UK.
Official Government figures show that 795 cases of the disease have been recorded across England, Scotland and Wales during the 2026/27 season.
The condition affects ruminant livestock such as cows and sheep, and can prove fatal to animals.
Responding to MPs on Thursday, Environment minister Stephen Morgan said his message to farmers was to “remain vigilant, monitor your animals closely and take up the vaccine”.
Shadow environment minister Robbie Moore warned of inadequate vaccine supplies during an urgent question in the Commons.
He said: “Bluetongue is spreading across Britain at an unprecedented rate, devastating livestock businesses and putting farming families under immense financial and emotional pressure.”
He added: “Ministers rightly advise farmers to vaccinate livestock, but livestock supplies can take up to three to four weeks to arrive.
“So why has the Government not acted to secure adequate vaccine supplies, working more closely with vaccine manufacturers, veterinary bodies and industry?”
Mr Moore urged the Government to “confirm financial assistance will be put in place”, concluding: “It seems that despite concerns being consistently raised throughout summer, ministers have been asleep at the wheel.”
In his response, Mr Morgan said the Government “has acted quickly to secure increased vaccine supply”.
He added: “We absolutely recognise that this is a difficult time for livestock keepers and for veterinary professionals supporting them.
“Defra is working really closely with livestock keepers and industry to facilitate access to vaccinations and ensure timely information.”
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) funds diagnostic testing for up to three affected animals where suspected clinical signs are reported.
Defra committee chairman Alistair Carmichael said “better information” should be available after he had difficulty identifying whether his livestock would need a vaccination.
He said: “I vaccinated my stock last year. I couldn’t even find out this year whether that was going to be sufficient or whether the vaccination would need to be done again.
“The minister is right about the protection that we get from vaccination. The second most important thing is reliable information.”
Mr Morgan said “there’s always more we can do” on communication.
