Bluetongue Virus FAQs
Updated: 28/03/2025
This page contains frequently asked questions on bluetongue BTV-3 and is regularly updated.
If you have any queries, please contact Ruminant Health & Welfare via email RuminantHW@ahdb.org.uk or use the AHDB Bluetongue hotline during office hours Mon-Fri: 024 7771 0386
FAQ sections – click to read:
Pre-movement testing exemptions until 23 April 2025 Q&A
Until 23 April 2025, you do not need to test non-breeding animals over the age of 60 days before being moved out of the restricted zone. This temporary change reflects the current low risk of moving these animals out of the zone.
The only animals you currently need to test before movement are:
- entire males intended for breeding
- females that are pregnant or have unknown pregnancy status
- youngstock if they are aged 60 days or younger at the time of the movement, unless they are travelling at foot with the maternal dam – in this case, you can test the maternal dam by PCR and ELISA
You must still apply for a specific movement licence for moving animals out of the restricted zone. This is a temporary change that will apply until 23 April 2025, although we may end the exemption sooner if the risk of bluetongue virus transmission has increased.
How long will this change apply for?
Defra expect to allow non-breeding animals to move without a pre-movement test until 23 April 2025, however this date may change if we become aware of an earlier increase in the risk of bluetongue virus transmission.
Why is this being changed now?
The risk of bluetongue virus transmission from midges has been minimal for the last 60 days. Testing of low risk animals is now of limited value and places pressures on keepers, vets, laboratories and government agencies.
What happens if the Seasonally Vector Low Period (SVLP) ends before 23 April?
Once sufficient adult midge activity is detected at the level that signals the end of the SVLP, there follows a further period of low risk of bluetongue virus transmission via vectors until the weather becomes consistently warm enough for midges infected with bluetongue to become infectious and pass it on to animals through biting (typically this happens by around mid-May).
At the point of the SVLP ending a decision will be taken on which bluetongue controls may need to change, and which can continue.
I can see midges around my animals now, why is this not seen as risky for the spread of bluetongue?
Only one type of midge can transmit bluetongue – ‘Culicoides’. Currently the weather is not warm enough for adult Culicoides midges to be actively biting animals or to become infectious with bluetongue.
Adult Culicoides midges usually become active in April. By mid-May, temperatures are usually suitable for midges to become infectious and spread bluetongue.
I have already applied for a movement licence and had pre-movement samples taken, do I still have to wait for the lab results before I can move my animals?
You can only move your animals if there is a valid movement licence in place. If you applied for your movement licence and it states that a pre-movement test is required, then you will need to wait for the results before moving your animals.
I still want to have all my animals tested, can this be done?
From 26 March to 23 April 2025 the requirement for mandatory pre-movement testing applies to:
– entire males intended for use in breeding
– pregnant females (or pregnancy status unknown)
– youngstock that are aged 60 days or younger at the time of the movement, unless they are travelling at foot with the maternal dam – in this case, you can
test the maternal dam by PCR and ELISA
If a keeper wishes to test animals which don’t fall into these categories the additional samples and tests will need to be paid for privately.
I have already applied for a movement licence now in the exempt category and the sampling or testing has not been done yet – do I still need to have all my animals
tested?
Licences awaiting pre-movement sampling or testing already booked will continue up until 31 March.
If you have a test booked on or after 31 March you will need to contact the licencing team on the application portal to confirm that the animals listed are now
exempt from pre-movement testing.
Your application will be progressed once this
information is received.
What if I want to move a young bull for feeding and slaughter?
As long as the bull is over 60 days old at the time of the move and is intended for feeding prior to slaughter it can be moved with a specific licence and without a pre-movement test. If moving direct to slaughter it can move without testing subject to complying with the requirements of general licence EXD634.
What if I’m not sure if my animal is pregnant
It is the keeper’s responsibility to declare that the animal is not pregnant. If the status is unknown the keeper should commission a pregnancy diagnosis (PD) test or scan from a veterinarian to confirm the animal is not pregnant and this should be retained as evidence. If you cannot attest that the animal is not pregnant they must be premovement tested.
Why do entire males still need a pre-movement test but not female animals that can be bred from?
Bluetongue virus can be shed in the semen of infected bulls, therefore we are taking a precautionary approach in restricting movement of entire males intended for use in breeding until the animal is shown to be PCR negative.
Why do I need to test animals born in the 60 days before movement
These animals may be born infected if the dam was infected with BTV during her pregnancy. BTV can spread by maternal transmission to the dam’s offspring which will be born infectious. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidance is animals are unlikely to spread BTV 60 days after infection.
Any animal born in the last 60 days needs to be tested to ensure it is not affected by maternal transmission.
Any animal over 60 days old is unlikely to have been exposed to BTV infectious midges (Culicoides) because they have not been biting animals since the start of the seasonal vector low period (SVLP) which commenced over 60 days ago.
Where can I find information on which type of licence to apply for?
Follow this link: Bluetongue movement licences and designated slaughterhouses.
Battle Bluetongue - Vaccination FAQs 17/02/2025
Vets and stakeholders across the ruminant sector are being urged to support a new industry campaign which encourages farmers in England and Wales to consult their vet about vaccinating their herd or flock against Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3).
As there is no treatment for the virus, prevention through vaccination and restricted movements in affected areas remains the best defence.
For more information on BTV-3 vaccination, download the vaccination FAQs from the Battle Bluetongue information pack launched in February 2025:
BTV-3-BattleBluetongue-campaign_FAQS-slide_Feb-25.pdf
A: Defra’s Secretary of State has permitted the use of three unauthorised bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines within the UK, subject to licence (16 September 2024).
A: The BTV-3 vaccines claim to reduce viraemia rather than prevent it. This means they may not prevent animals from being infected or infectious, but (depending on the vaccine) their claims include reduction or prevention of clinical signs and/or mortality.
A: The decision to vaccinate is a matter for farmers to discuss with their vet. It is impossible to predict the impact BTV-3 will have in 2025, but vaccination is of benefit in the case of significant disease and should be considered as an appropriate insurance to protect animals and businesses.
Our focus is to ensure that farmers and their private vets are fully informed of the current situation.
Vaccination will be less effective once disease is significant.
A: For serotypes where vaccines are available (such as BTV-1, -2, -4 and -8), vaccination is the best way to protect livestock. Livestock keepers should discuss with their vet whether vaccination is an option which will benefit their business.
Vets can apply to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) for a Special Import Certificate, which will allow livestock keepers to import safe and effective bluetongue vaccines directly from the EU.
A: All movement controls and trade restrictions still apply to vaccinated animals. This is subject to change; for the current status, please see: Bluetongue movement licences and designated slaughterhouses
(gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-movement-licencesand-designated-slaughterhouses)
The BTV-3 vaccine cannot be used in Scotland and Wales at this time, but BTV-3-vaccinated animals from England (from the BTV-3-free area) are permitted to move into Scotland and Wales, as any other animal can.
A: Farmers should consider vaccinating animals if:
- There is a high density of ruminant farms in the area, particularly if any of these had confirmed cases of BTV-3 in 2024
- The farm is situated in a high-risk area (south/east England)
- They plan to buy in animals or to transport animals back home from distant sales or shows
- The weather conditions have been unseasonably warm
- They keep cattle, sheep and/or other ruminants or camelids Prioritise the following livestock:
- High-value breeding stock, rare breeds and pedigrees
- Animals not pregnant or in mid pregnancy
- Breeding males – particularly if they only have a few and expect them to serve lots of females
A: Like any sheep or cattle vaccine, there will be maternal transfer of immunity in the colostrum to lambs and calves, and this will protect newborns.
This immunity will wane over the first few months of life, and lambs and calves will require their own vaccination to be protected in the longer term.
The timing of this vaccination is important, as the maternal antibodies will inhibit the vaccine – the manufacturers’ recommendation for most vaccines (including BTV vaccines) is to wait 1–3 months before vaccinating lambs and calves.
A: If you have vaccinated your livestock, you will still need to test if you suspect BTV as the vaccine does not prevent infection.
A No the BTV-3 vaccines are only licensed against the bluetongue virus serotype 3.
While BTV-12 is currently lower priority, we are not aware of any plans to develop and licence a vaccine for serotype 12, however the situation for BTV-12 will continue to be monitored.
Bluetongue FAQ
Ruminant Health & Welfare and AHDB has brought together experts right across the four nations, including scientists, research and veterinary professionals to ensure the following information is available for farmers.
Adult animals may show little or no clinical signs, so farmers and their vets need to be vigilant.
Download Clinical signs of bluetongue | AHDB to view photos of clinicals signs.
In sheep:
- Lethargy, reluctance to move
- Crusty erosions around the nostrils and on the muzzle
- Discharge of mucus and drooling from mouth and nose
- Swelling of the muzzle, face and above the hoof
- Reddening of the skin above the hoof
- Redness of the mouth, eyes, nose
- Breathing problems
- Erosions on the teats
In cattle:
- Crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle
- Redness of the mouth, eyes, nose
- Redding of the skin above the hoof
- Nasal discharge
- Reddening and erosions on the teats
Cattle do not often show clear signs of disease so owners should also look out for signs of fatigue and lower productivity including reduced milk yield.
In calves:
Calves can become infected with bluetongue (BTV-8) before birth if the mother is infected while pregnant. Signs of infection include:
- Calves born small, weak, deformed or blind
- Death of calves within a few days of birth
- Abortions
Livestock keepers and vets should consider bluetongue as a possible cause for calves showing these signs.
BTV is a notifiable disease which has the potential for rapid spread via biting midges to other ruminating animals with significant production losses in livestock. Suspicion of BTV in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.
BTV is mainly spread by adult-infected midges (various Culicoides species) biting (vector) an animal susceptible to the disease. This is classed as ‘vector-borne’ transmission.
Infected midges can spread locally and more widely in certain temperatures and wind conditions.
The second but less common way the disease is spread is through movement of infected animals. That is why movement of animals from BTV areas is controlled.
The time of year, i.e. whether during the active vector season (normally March-September), and meteorological conditions, i.e. temperature and wind direction, and the proximity and density of neighbouring farms are significant factors in the potential incursion and spread of this disease. It is however possible to move infected animals at any time of year.
Control of midges is difficult and although there are things that can be done to reduce their spread, it is unlikely that the risk of them can be removed on any individual farm. Reducing the risk is therefore the aim.
The main preventative measure is movement controls and restrictions for susceptible livestock species in relevant areas to reduce the opportunity for vector transmission between holdings. Midges often accompany the animals as they move e.g. in livestock trailers, therefore moving animals increases the risk of midge spread too.
Whilst insecticides do kill insects, their efficacy on Culicoides midges has not been shown outside of the laboratory, and there is no evidence that use of insecticides on animals reduces bluetongue virus transmission in the field.
Whilst treating with insecticides may feel like ‘doing something’, there is no evidence that they will protect livestock from bluetongue and excessive use will cause considerable negative environmental and ecological impacts. Furthermore, these products have a poor retention/efficacy time (especially in the rain) so would require repeat administration.
There are no products licensed for Culicoides ‘control’. Any products sold for this purpose would be off licence and therefore can only be prescribed by vets.
Midges breed in damp soils with high organic content, such as muckheaps. So, keeping these distant from susceptible livestock and livestock-housing may reduce biting frequency and therefore BTV transmission.
Unless specifically directed to by an inspector, or instructed to by the conditions of an official notice, declaration or licence, you are not required to house ruminant animals at your premises. However, you may wish to consult your veterinary surgeon for advice on any protective steps you might take.
Unless specifically directed to by an inspector, or instructed to by the conditions of an official notice, declaration or licence, you are not required to take action to kill or control insects around your premises. However you may wish to consult your veterinary surgeon for advice on any protective steps you might take.
Details can be found here – Bluetongue: GB disease control strategy – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The number for the Bluetongue hotline is 024 7771 0386. NFU members can also access the CallFirst hotline: 0370 845 8458
Defra’s Secretary of State has permitted the use of 3 unauthorised bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines within the United Kingdom, subject to licence (16 September 2024).
Unlike the authorised vaccines for other BTV serotypes, the BTV-3 vaccines claim to reduce viraemia rather than prevent it. This means they may not prevent your animals from being infected or infectious, but (depending on the vaccine) their claims include reduction or prevention of clinical signs experienced or mortality.
For this reason, all movement controls and trade restrictions still apply to vaccinated animals.
Discuss the merits of vaccination for your animals and business with your private veterinarian.
Animal keepers not in a high-risk county should apply for a specific licence (not a general licence), through Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Check if you’re in a high-risk county with the interactive bluetongue virus map.
Veterinarians should read the advisory note before prescribing any BTV-3 vaccine.
The general licence allows the use of BTV-3 vaccines in England only. Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have not licensed the use of vaccination for BTV-3 but will keep this position under review.
updated 27/09/24 licence update:
General Licence for Using Inactivated Bluetongue 3 Vaccine in England
The decision to vaccinate is a matter for farmers to discuss with their vet based on the possible impacts for their businesses. In the current situation we do not believe there is a case for mandatory vaccination, nor for the Government to provide or fund vaccination. Our focus is to ensure that farmers and their private vets are fully informed of the current situation.
For serotypes where vaccination is possible (such as BTV 1, 2, 4 and 8), vaccination is the best way to protect livestock. Livestock keepers should discuss with their vet whether vaccination is an option which will benefit their business. Veterinary surgeons can apply to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for a Special Import Certificate, which will allow keepers to import safe and effective bluetongue vaccine directly from the EU to vaccinate their stock.
Because BTV is transmitted by midges carrying the virus, and not from one animal to another, vaccination will not necessarily prevent all future potential disease spread but would enable farmers to protect their own herds.
- Following confirmation of BTV in a non-imported animal in England, the UK may no longer be considered as a BTV-free country.
- Trade with trading partners, including trade to the EU, may be subject to additional control measures imposed by the importing authority.
- Some countries may restrict UK exports of susceptible animals or their products as a result, although it is expected that exports of many commodities will be able to continue. In some cases, there may be a requirement for additional checks, testing or treatments.
- The latest information on availability of individual export Health Certificates can be found via Get an export health certificate – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
To protect the biosecurity status of Northern Ireland movement of susceptible livestock from GB will now be stopped as epidemiological investigations continue. Movement of germplasm will be subject to appropriate restriction.
Culling may be used in circumstances where it is believed disease is not circulating and an outbreak might be prevented. Once bluetongue is known to be circulating in the domestic midge population, culling of livestock is not an effective control measure to deal with disease.
If your animal were required to be culled to control Bluetongue disease then you would receive compensation for that animal (unless you had imported diseased animals). However, we would not expect to cull large numbers of animals since culling becomes ineffective once disease is established within midge populations.
We have robust rules and procedures in place to protect our borders from disease and animals or their germinal products can only be imported if they meet these. It is essential that keepers source responsibly.
Over and above this, we carry out compulsory post-import testing of susceptible animals from areas around and known to have BTV infected regions.
The disease does not affect meat or animal products, and meat and milk from infected animals are safe to eat and drink. Over and above this, we carry out compulsory post-import testing of susceptible animals from areas around and known to have BTV infected regions.
No, BTV viruses do not affect people.
Ruminant wildlife such as deer could become infected if the disease was circulating in the local midge population.
The main direct economic impacts will vary depending on the strain of BTV and at this stage, with only one animal infected, we cannot make such assessments.
Bluetongue can reduce milk yield, cause sickness, and reduce reproductive performance. The imposition of movement controls may require some farmers to change their usual routes to markets. Farmers may incur costs from reduced market access, including export markets.
As a notifiable disease, the control of bluetongue is legislated for. The control strategy includes good biosecurity and animal care, responsible sourcing of animals, monitoring of the disease situation in Europe and internationally, and having in place appropriate risk-based import conditions and testing.
Vigilance by animal keepers is key. Anyone keeping an animal must notify any suspicion of notifiable disease. This will be investigated by government veterinary inspectors.
BTV-3 sampling and testing FAQ's
- If premovement testing is required, the following steps are to be taken:
- Keeper arranges with their private veterinary surgeon to take 1x EDTA blood sample (purple top tube) and 1x plain blood sample (red top tube) from each animal.
- The veterinary surgeon will complete a sample submission form, available on the Pirbright website.
- On the sample submission form, the veterinary surgeon is to select both options for RT-PCR testing for bluetongue virus.
- The veterinary surgeon is to write in the additional information section of the sample submission form that this submission is for (specify as appropriate) pre-/post- movement testing.
- The veterinary surgeon is to package the sample in a way that prevents leaking.
- The veterinary surgeon will send the package by Royal Mail, ideally through next day delivery, addressing it to: NVRL, The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Woking, GU24 0NF
- Pirbright will complete the PCR tests for bluetongue and will send the results by email to the veterinary surgeon and the APHA licencing team. Results are usually returned within a week.
BTV is transmitted by Culicoides biting midges. These are the smallest blood feeding insects; 2-4mm long and are hugely abundant.
An uninfected adult midge bites an infected ruminant animal taking in blood and therefore taking in the virus. The virus replicates within the insect (4-20 days depending on air temperature) and moves to the salivary glands. The infected adult midge then bites an uninfected ruminant, transmitting the virus. A single bite from a single infected midge is sufficient to reliably transmit the virus. This ruminant animal will be infectious within 2-4 days.
A single bite from a single infected midge will reliably transmit the virus. Additional bites will not result in greater levels of infection or worse clinical signs.
BTV transmission is seasonal because midges are seasonal. Culicoides midges are active in Northern Europe between April and November with peaks in May and September due to temperature.
Midges are most active at dusk and dawn. Their activity is strongly influenced by the weather. Midges are not able to fly in high winds or rain. Average daily temperatures need to be above 15 degrees Celsius for BTV to replicate within the midges.
There is no way of protecting all livestock from being bitten by midges. Use wind to your advantage as midges cannot fly in high winds.
There is no evidence that insecticides (applied to the animal) can kill midges fast enough to prevent the first bite and will not prevent onward transmission of bluetongue. There are no products licensed for Culicoides ‘control’. Residual spraying of insecticides around your farm would present a significant environmental risk to all other insects.
There is no evidence that insect repellents prevent onward transmission of bluetongue virus. Repellents have very short retention/efficacy times, especially in the rain. Any products claiming medicinal effects are doing so illegally.
Midge traps are used in midge monitoring, but they are not effective at reducing midge population size.
Midge nets on buildings were used in The Netherlands, however, it was thought that air movement above the animals (at a speed of >3m/s) was more important in preventing the midges coming into contact with livestock than the nets themselves. ‘Midge nets’ available to purchase often do not have small enough aperture for Culicoides midges (less than 0.5mm aperture) and are very costly.
Effectively screening a whole barn could be practically challenging. Housing animals during a hot summer could have welfare implications if air flow is insufficient.
No. Midges breed in a wide range of habitats. If you remove or cover dung heaps, they will find alternative.
Midges do not like wind or rain. Take advantage of windy, high, colder grazing areas.
Please take precautions when moving animals, checking your stock for possible signs of disease and spraying the inside of vehicles with an insecticide approved for use against flying insects prior to loading. Please only move animals when absolutely necessary.
Good biosecurity is the best method of control where you have to move animals, i.e. keeping trailers clean. Avoid moving during dawn and dusk when midge biting activity is highest. Movement restrictions are the best method of reducing disease transmission during an outbreak.
How far a midge can fly depends on multiple factors including wind speed, direction and obstacles. Midges will travel up to 3km across land. Midges can be transported further in winds across seas.
There is no way of knowing if midges are infected with bluetongue virus. Midges are more likely to be infected with bluetongue if there are reports of the virus on neighbouring farms and within TCZs.
No. There is no evidence that dipping sheep will kill Culicoides or prevent onward transmission of bluetongue.
No. Midges tend to bite around the face, ears, legs etc. which will still be accessible.
Bluetongue detection FAQ
Detection of evidence of disease/exposure to a virus usually falls into two categories:
- Looking for the virus itself (antigen testing).
- Looking for an animal’s response to the virus (antibody testing). Both natural infection and vaccination should result in a positive test for antibodies.
There are different samples that can be collected for these tests. Most commonly a blood test, but other samples such as swabs, urine or bulk milk samples from a dairy herd, can also be used to detect both virus and antibody with varying degrees of success. The best sample to take to be certain of infection, and the timing of sample collection, is dependent on the virus we are working with.
There are three main reasons why bulk milk testing is not suitable for early detection of BTV-3 in England.
1.1. The BTV-3 bulk milk ELISA is not very sensitive for early detection application. The sensitivity of the test is 54% when the herd prevalence is <2%. Herd prevalence is likely to be low at the start of an outbreak, so only having a sensitivity of 54% will mean close to half of antibody positive animals will be missed. Even in a more widespread outbreak where the herd prevalence is 4%, the sensitivity is 85%, which is still relatively low. Ideally a test would have a sensitivity of 100% (meaning it would not miss any antibody positive animals). With sensitivity below 100%, animals that have been exposed to the virus may not be detected (false negatives) by the bulk milk sample ELISA test. In early surveillance, this would be detrimental to any control plan.
1.2 There is a risk of vaccinated (but not infected) animals being detected. This would cause significant inconvenience for affected farms.
- Animals imported from a BTV positive country must be vaccinated before entry to the UK. In 2016, a survey showed that there were a significant number of vaccinated cattle in the UK. If these are detected on surveillance testing, a full BTV investigation, together with movement restrictions would potentially be conducted.
- There is a possibility that some animals that were vaccinated or infected during the previous BTV-8 outbreak are still alive. The test cannot distinguish a response to BTV-3 from BTV-8.
1.3 Bulk milk testing is not suitable to detect the BTV-3 itself, the current test is to detect antibodies against it. BTV is associated with red blood cells and hence is very difficult to detect in other samples such as urine or milk where red blood cell content is low. While PCRs tend to be extremely sensitive in detecting BTV (i.e., they will pick up virus if it is there), this is not the case for BTV in milk.
Bulk milk testing is relatively quick, easy and cheap and it does not require blood samples to be taken. The Netherlands did use this method in the early stages of the outbreak to determine whether they had had earlier infections that they had not been detected clinically or by PCR. While this testing did identify some antibody positive bulk milk samples, they could not determine if these were previously infected or vaccinated animals (to other BTV serotypes like BTV-8 or BTV-4) which did result in full investigations. However, it was useful to give an indication of how far the virus had spread throughout the country.
In conclusion, in an early outbreak situation, prevalence is likely to be less than 2% and therefore a sensitive test is required. The current BTV bulk milk ELISA is not sensitive enough (54%) to provide useful data. As the virus is associated with red blood cells , there is little virus, if any, found in milk. Therefore, if we want to detect virus, blood samples need to be collected for PCR.
In England, early detection sampling for BTV-3 will be performed by strategic blood testing for virus detection (by PCR).
Bluetongue FAQs November 2024
Movement of animals poses a risk for the spread of the virus – therefore movement of animals should only be done where necessary. Think before you move.
Restricted zones (RZ) are set up to limit the spread of the virus by controlling what movements can and cannot occur. This is for both animal and germinal products (semen and ova).
Animals within a restricted zone can move to another premise or abattoir within that zone where necessary and without licence.
Conditions for allowing movements change as the disease situation changes.
- It is prohibited to move an animal within a RZ if it shows clinical signs of BTV-3 on the day of transport.
- Movements of susceptible animals into or within the RZ do not need a license
- Keepers do not need a license to move to a slaughterhouse within the RZ and the slaughterhouse does not need to be designated.
- Shows and gatherings are permitted within the RZ but animals cannot leave the zone
If you want to move animals, you must check the up-to-date requirements on the GOV.UK website.
Bluetongue movement licences and designated slaughterhouses (GOV.UK)
Notifiable animal disease cases and control zones
Find out if you are in the zone using the APHA Interactive Bluetongue Virus Map (arcgis.com)
A: Current status: You must apply for a specific licence
Legislation applicable RZ/IA: *the holding must not be under BTV premises restriction
Apply for an exemption from animal disease movement restrictions – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
BTV-3 vaccinated animals are able to move from the RZ to the free area in England subject to pre and post movement testing.
Once post-movement testing has been confirmed negative, these animals are eligible to move to Scotland or Wales.
The BTV-3 vaccine cannot be used in Scotland and Wales at this time, but BTV-3 vaccinated animals from England (from the free area) are permitted to move to Scotland/Wales, as any other animal can.
Farmers wanting to move cattle under BTV-3 licences, please be aware that where pre-movement TB tests are needed, organise these first as they are valid for 60-days. BTV-3 licences only have a 5-day window after samples are taken.
APHA has updated the collection process for BTV-3 samples in the Restriction Zone (RZ). Sampling will now prioritise BTV-free areas and the edges of the RZ to better prevent disease spread. This change could mean a wait of up to 5 days for samples to be collected within the RZ. However, samples will still be collected from all reported cases. Remember, keepers should still notify APHA of any suspected cases, whether in the RZ or in BTV-3 free areas. Reporting is essential to controlling the spread of bluetongue.
The widespread use of insecticides on animals is unlikely to prevent bluetongue transmission or spread. However, there may be cases where insecticide application on animals would be advised to reduce the risk of BTV transmission, even if it cannot eliminate it. Speak to your vet or RAMA to get further advice.
Insecticide use on animals is not an effective tool for the control of BTV. There’s no evidence that insecticides applied to animals kill midges fast enough to stop the first bite and therefore they are unlikely to prevent bluetongue transmission.
There are no products licensed for Culicoides ‘control’. Residual spraying of insecticides around your farm would present a significant environmental risk to all other insects.
There is no evidence that insect repellents prevent onward transmission of bluetongue virus. Repellents have very short retention/efficacy times, especially in the rain. Any products claiming medicinal effects are doing so illegally.
Use of insecticides on vehicles transporting livestock is required to fulfil the conditions of some movement licences. Products containing pyrethrins and the synthetic pyrethroids, such as deltamethrin, that are active against flying and biting insects are appropriate for applying to vehicles transporting animals.
However, it’s important to note that specific named products may vary in their active ingredients. Always check the product label for the exact ingredients and follow the instructions carefully. DO NOT SPRAY ONTO ANIMALS.
If you need to use insecticide on your haulage vehicle, it is important to adhere to the guidance on the licence for transporting animals: https://bit.ly/3Tu0FLG
BTV-3 free testing FAQ
As the weather gets warmer, the likelihood of BTV-3 incursion is increased, especially in the East and South Coast counties. The testing will reduce the risk of virus spreading to animals susceptible to BTV-3 infection in other areas, via the movement of livestock from the high risk counties.
This is voluntary measure but highly encouraged.
All ruminants: cattle, sheep, deer and goats, and camelids: alpacas and llamas.
If you are moving lambs and kids that are 3 months or not yet weaned, or calves under a week old, speak to your vet about testing.
Their dam should also be tested before moving – even if you are not moving her. Keep the young with their mother until you have results.
Currently – all livestock keepers in the high risk counties: Norfolk, Essex, Kent, Suffolk and East Sussex.
See if you are in high risk county here to access the free testing.
- For movement out of the high risk counties, for example animals who are being sold at markets in the high risk counties who may be sold and taken outside of those 5 counties.
- For livestock movements out of those counties to live.
You can choose from free sampling and testing, or select free testing only and then pay for sampling from a private vet.
- Allow the minimum of 10 working days (Mon – Fri) from applying for testing between application and moving livestock.
The vet should be sampling animals 5 working days before you plan to move livestock.
The results are emailed to you 3 working days after samples are received but allow 5 days for contingency as there may be a delay during busy periods.
If results are delayed, past the planned move or market date, you can move your animals without waiting for the results because testing is voluntary. However, APHA would strongly advise against this.
No further action is needed – you will not need to complete post moving testing or face additional restriction.
APHA will only share results with you and your private vet if they submitted the samples. You will need to inform the buyer or recipient of the animals of the negative results.
APHA will contact you and place your premises under restriction while they investigate further. This means you will only be able to move susceptible animals and their germinal products off your premises with a licence.
APHA official vets will likely re-sample and re-test any positive animals and others in the same group. They will also ask you about the movement history of your animals, including any that have moved off the premises in recent weeks.
View full information on what may happen next here.
View the bluetongue disease control framework for 2024 in England
- Please book free testing (and free sampling) by contacting Farmcare:
– Telephone: 0800 612 5289 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. You can leave a message out of hours.)
– Email: admin@ukfarmcare.com
The vet will send the samples to APHA or The Pirbright Institute for testing.
More info: Bluetongue: get free testing for your animals – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Samples can be submitted only if there is NO suspicion of BTV3 infection.
Samples should be collected and submitted to Pirbright by the private veterinary surgeon at the client’s expense. This would be considered good practice when hiring bulls.
Bluetongue (BTV-) movement licences
Advice for farmers
Please note this section may be not be applicable – depending on the midge vector season.
Movement of animals in these zones is likely to risk causing more spread of the virus – think before you move.
The UK is in a seasonally vector low period. This means the risk of transmission of bluetongue is now very low. We no longer require:
- post-movement testing for animals moved out of the zone
- vector control including the use of insecticide
- animals originating from the restricted zone to be slaughtered at a designated slaughterhouse
You must still:
- have a licence to move animals or germinal product out of a restricted zone
- comply with any post-movement testing requirements set out in your licence or restriction notice if you moved animals out of the restricted zone on or before 20 January 2025
- apply for a licence to freeze germinal products within the restricted zone
If it is essential for you to move animals please observe the following information on licensing.
Please view the live APHA interactive bluetongue virus map to find the latest information on BTV zones e.g. RZ and TCZs.
The “Restricted Zone (RZ)” in legislation also imposes an “Infected Area” (IA). The RZ and Infected Area are the same geographically. We refer to them as the RZ/Infected Area in this document and for practical purposes, they can be considered together.
- All movements within the RZ/Infected Area must comply with EXD 612 General Licence: EXD_612_GL_for_movements_into_zone_and_to_and_from_premises_in_the_restricted_zone_6.09.24.pdf.pdf
All other movements from inside the RZ to outside the RZ require a specific licence: Apply for an exemption from animal disease restrictions – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Movements from premises under bluetongue premises restriction require a specific licence: Bluetongue movement licences, designated slaughterhouses and slaughter markets – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
All movements must also comply with your normal movement licence
*All information provided is subject to change, please Click here for live information.