Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline 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.
Bluetongue vet resources
This page is updated regularly with resources and information specifically for vets – if you have any queries please email RuminantHW@ahdb.org.uk
Please visit our bluetongue hub and resources page for more information, FAQs and live updates.
The following resources have been created with following industry experts:
- AHDB
- British Cattle Veterinary Association
- Sheep Veterinary Society
- British Deer Veterinary Association
- British Veterinary Camelid Association
- Flockhealth Ltd
- Goat Vet Society
- British Veterinary Association
Vet only resources
Please find updated guidance to use during the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season.
- Bluetongue Vaccination & Fertility – an overview for vets 2026 https://ruminanthw.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bluetongue-Vaccination-Fertility-–-an-overview-for-vets-2026.pdf
- SVS guidelines on the examination of rams for breeding – BTV update 27.08.2026 https://ruminanthw.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BTV-SVS-ram-fertility_final.pdf
- Gestational impact of BTV-3 https://ruminanthw.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Gestational-impact-of-BTV-3_final-15.07.pdf
- Clinical observations from a study comparing two different treatments for bluetongue in sheep https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13620-026-00351-5
- Treatment considerations for bluetongue virus serotype-3 cases in sheep https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/inpr.429
- Camelids: BVCS BTV3 Good Vaccine Practice Guide for Vets – August 2026 https://ruminanthw.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BVCS-BTV-update-14-August-2026.pdf
- Deer: Bluetongue in Deer – Information for Vets (BDVA) https://ruminanthw.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Bluetongue-in-Deer-RHWG-Information-for-Vets-25.08.25.pdf
Vaccination resources for vet/farmer conversations
The following resources have been produced to provide help support vaccination discussions between vets and farmers.
- Vaccine Decision Maker 2026 https://ruminanthw.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Vaccine-Decision-Maker-02.04.26.pdf
- BTV vaccines risk assessment template https://ruminanthw.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Vaccine-Decision-Maker-02.04.26.pdf
- BTV-3 vaccine comparison table https://ruminanthw.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/BTV-3-Vaccines-comparison-table-24.04.26.pdf
- BTV-8 vaccine comparison table https://ruminanthw.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/BTV-8-Vaccine-Comparison-Tables-24.04.26.pdf
General information
- Bluetongue latest situation cases and reporting https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-latest-situation
- Subscribe for disease alerts APHA animal disease alert subscription service – GOV.UK
- Bluetongue Movements Checker – find what livestock movements are allowed, what movement licences are needed, as well as when pre-movement testing/vaccination is required: https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus-hub/bluetongue-movements-checker/
- Movement licences https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-movement-licences-and-designated-slaughterhouses
- All Battle Bluetongue webinars https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus-hub/bluetongue-webinar-library/
The below list of materials can be downloaded and used by practices holding farmer meetings.
- Battle Bluetongue campaign – information for vets https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus-information-for-vets/battlebluetongue-vet-information/
- BTV myth busting flyer
BTV presentation slides 2026 https://ruminanthw.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BTV-presentation-slides-2026-APP.pptx - Summary flyer to download/print: https://ruminanthw.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bluetongue-farmer-leaflet-June-26-final.pdf
- BTV-3_in Calves Factsheet: https://ruminanthw.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BTV-3_in-Calves-Factsheet_A4_260224_PrintNoBleed.pdf
- FAQ pages:
What to do if you suspect BTV-3 – Ruminant Health & Welfare
Symptoms of BTV-3 – Ruminant Health & Welfare
