Key information
What is a Restricted Zone (RZ)
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 or pre-movement tests.
Conditions for allowing movements change as the disease situation changes.
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
View the APHA Interactive Bluetongue Virus Map (arcgis.com)
Can I move BTV-3 vaccinated animals if I am in the RZ?
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).
From 1 July 2025 you will not need a pre-movement test or specific bluetongue licence to move vaccinated and unvaccinated animals within England.
Susceptible animals both vaccinated and unvaccinated, will require a pre-movement test if moving from the RZ to Scotland or Wales except cattle vaccinated with the Boehringer Bultavo-3 vaccine – they may move from the RZ into Scotland without a pre-movement test.
If you are moving vaccinated animals which require a pre-movement test, you should wait until at least 7 days after vaccinating before testing. This will prevent interference with BTV-3 monitoring.
The BTV-3 vaccine cannot be used in Northern Ireland at this time, but will keep this position under review.
I need to get a pre-movement test for TB for my cattle before moving them under a BTV-3 licence, when should I apply?
A: 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 pre-movement test samples are only valid for 10 calendar days.
Will imports/exports of animals or animal products be affected?
- There are mandatory requirements for imports from all EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries to Great Britain of:
- BTV susceptible animals
- Germinal products (semen, ova and embryos) of susceptible animals.
To find out more: Imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products: topical issues – GOV.UK
- 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)
Will imports/exports of animals or animal products be affected?
- There are mandatory requirements for imports from all EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries to Great Britain of:
- BTV susceptible animals
- Germinal products (semen, ova and embryos) of susceptible animals.
To find out more: Imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products: topical issues – GOV.UK
- 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)
What about trade between GB and NI?
To protect the biosecurity status of Northern Ireland, the direct movement of susceptible livestock from GB will be suspended. Movement will recommence once GB recovers it’s EU recognised disease-free status for the virus. Movement of germplasm will be subject to appropriate restriction.