Bluetongue Movements Checker tool launched to support farmers across GB
24/6/2025
The ‘Bluetongue Movements Checker’ tool from Ruminant Health and Welfare and AHDB is an interactive and online system which allows farmers to find the correct advice and licencing requirements for moving animals within or across a border within GB, depending on the specific situation, location and nature of the movement.
The Bluetongue Movements Checker is part of the Battle Bluetongue toolkit for farmers and vets to help navigate the complex and changing restrictions that are impacting livestock movements between England, Scotland and Wales as a result of devolved policy to help reduce the risk of bluetongue spread.
The tool advises what livestock movements are allowed, what movement licences are needed, as well as when pre-movement testing and or vaccination is required as a legal stipulation of a movement.
There are specific answers for moves to other farm premises, shows, markets or abattoirs at all times, taking into account the devolved Government policies on Bluetongue across England, Wales and Scotland.
The tool is being launched in time to support farmers with the questions they will likely have as a result of the all-England Bluetongue Restriction Zone effective from 1 July 2025.
Battle Bluetongue
The tool is the one of many resources created for vets and farmers to use in the Battle Bluetongue vaccination campaign launched for farmers in England and Wales in February 2025 – developed by AHDB and Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) in collaboration with key veterinary and industry associations.
Given there is no treatment for the disease, slowing the disease spread through vaccination and restricted movements in affected areas remains the best defence.