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

# Animal health team urges local sheep owners to keep animals sheared
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/sheep-owners/
- Published: 2026-08-16T07:20:18.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-16T07:20:17.000Z
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: News

LOCAL sheep owners are being urged to keep their animals sheared in order to avoid "serious welfare issues".

The plea comes from Staffordshire County Council's Trading Standards animal health team following reports that some keepers may be delaying or avoiding it due to concerns about Bluetongue Virus.

But officers say there is no evidence that leaving wool on sheep provides protection against the disease which is spread by biting midges.

Staffordshire is currently experiencing high levels of Bluetongue virus activity, with a significant number of confirmed cases across the county. But authorities are warning that concerns about Bluetongue must not come at the expense of animal welfare.

Cllr Anthony Screen, cabinet member for community safety and resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:

> "We understand the concerns farmers have regarding Bluetongue and the very real impact the disease is having on livestock businesses across Staffordshire. However, there is a misconception circulating that not shearing sheep may somehow help protect them from Bluetongue. This is simply not the case.  
>  
> "Animal welfare must always come first. Sheep must be managed appropriately to safeguard their welfare – and leaving animals with excessive wool can lead to overheating, mobility issues, poor body condition and unnecessary suffering, particularly during warmer weather.  
>  
> "We are asking all sheep keepers to review their flocks and ensure animals are sheared when required."

Anyone concerned about the welfare of sheep or other livestock can contact the animal health team on 01785 277875.