> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Staffordshire Farmers Urged to Shear Sheep Despite Bluetongue Concerns
- URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-farmers-urged-to-shear-sheep-despite-bluetongue-concerns/
- Published: 2026-08-20T10:07:05.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-20T10:07:05.000Z
- Description: Sheep farmers across Staffordshire are being warned that delaying shearing because of fears surrounding bluetongue could cause serious animal-welfare problems.
- Author: Will Barnish
- Tags: Country & Creatures

Staffordshire County Council has urged farmers to continue shearing their sheep where necessary, following reports that some keepers may be delaying or avoiding the practice because of concerns about Bluetongue virus.

The authority said there is no evidence that keeping sheep’s wool intact protects animals from the disease.

Delaying shearing during periods of high temperatures can instead expose sheep to heat stress and other health problems. Farmers who fail to protect their animals from unnecessary suffering could also face enforcement action where welfare is compromised.

## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly

Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit

Subscribe 

Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. 

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting livestock including sheep, cattle and goats. It is spread by biting midges but does not affect people or food safety.

The National Farmers’ Union has also warned producers to disregard misleading information advising them not to shear their animals.

Clare Wise, acting chair of the NFU Livestock Board, said shearing remained an essential part of good animal husbandry and was particularly important during hot weather.

Farmers are being advised to work closely with their vets, maintain appropriate hygiene measures and consider vaccination to protect their livestock.

Suspected cases of bluetongue must be reported immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

[ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)