Bluetongue-linked fertility crisis affects rams in Devon

A bluetongue-linked fertility crisis is being observed in rams in Devon. A local veterinary practice found that half of the rams tested in the past three weeks were infertile, compared to 20% in an ordinary year. This occurs while England's female breeding flock has declined significantly, falling from almost 7.1 million in 2022 to below 6.2 million four years later.

The fertility crisis highlights ongoing cascading effects of disease on the sheep and cattle sectors. The decline in the female breeding flock in England signals significant pressure on agricultural output and food supply.