BTV-3 update - 12/07/2025
12 July 2025
One new case of BTV-3 has been confirmed in England on 12 July 2025. One sheep in Buckinghamshire was confirmed positive following a report of suspicious clinical signs – these included pyrexia, salivation, nasal discharge, swollen muzzle, lips and tongue with congestion in oral mucosa. The sheep was lethargic and unresponsive to treatment.
BTV-3 update - two cases confirmed 11/07/2025
11 July 2025
Two new cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed on 11 July 2025.
- two cattle were confirmed positive in Herefordshire following a non-negative pre-movement test
- one sheep in Oxfordshire was confirmed positive following a report of suspicious clinical signs – the sheep had hot and painful feet, reluctance to move and was generally unwell
These represent the first cases of BTV-3 in Great Britain during the 2025 to 2026 vector season. The risk of transmission via infected midges is now considered to be very high in England.
BTV-3 update - Bluetongue approved red markets approved in Wales 11/07/2025
The Welsh Government along with the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies has announced the introduction of Bluetongue approved red markets.
The change means that from Monday 14 July, animals can be moved from the Restricted Zone in England to a Bluetongue approved red market in Wales, for direct onward movement to a designated slaughterhouse in Wales or one within the restricted zone.
The decision follows a Bluetongue Roundtable meeting hosted by the Deputy First Minister on Tuesday 8 July.
NFU Cymru says Bluetongue approved red markets are a ‘step forward’ – NFU Cymru
BTV-3 update - all England Restriction Zone 01/07/2025
1 July 2025
The restricted zone for bluetongue has been extended to cover all of England. You can now move animals within England without a specific bluetongue licence or pre-movement testing.
You will need a specific licence to freeze germinal products (semen, ova and embryo) anywhere in England and testing will be required. Keepers will be responsible for the cost of sampling, postage and testing. Further detail can be found in the declaration.
Check the guidance on:
BTV-3 update to Scotland and Wales movements 12/06/2025
Until 12 June 2025
The current pre-movement testing exemptions apply in England, Scotland and Wales.
From 12 June 2025
The current pre-movement testing exemptions will be extended until 23:59 on 30 June 2025 in England. This means you still won’t need to test non-breeding animals over 60 days old before moving them from the restricted zone to a premises in England.
Wales and Scotland announced their changes on 12/06/2025:
BTV-3 update to restricted zone 23/5/25
On 1 July 2025 the restricted zone for bluetongue will be extended to cover all of England. This means that from this date you will be able to move animals within England without a bluetongue licence or test.
Vaccination remains the most effective long-term option for disease control. You are encouraged to discuss BTV-3 vaccination with your vet to determine if it is right for your animals. If you vaccinate your animals you must report it within 48 hours.
Until 12 June 2025
The current pre-movement testing exemptions apply in England, Scotland and Wales.
From 12 June 2025
The current pre-movement testing exemptions will be extended until 23:59 on 30 June 2025 in England. This means you still won’t need to test non-breeding animals over 60 days old before moving them from the restricted zone to a premises in England.
Wales and Scotland will announce changes to their controls by 12 June 2025 on GOV.WALES and gov.scot.
From 1 July
You will be able to move animals within England without a bluetongue licence or testing.
You will need to have a specific licence to freeze germinal products within the restricted zone and testing will be required.
Keepers will be responsible for the cost of sampling, postage and testing.
Wales and Scotland will announce changes to their controls by 12 June 2025 on GOV.WALES and gov.scot.
BTV-3 update to restricted zone 18/5/25
Following the identification of historic cases in cattle in Lancashire, in accordance with the bluetongue disease control framework, the restricted zone and infected area was extended to include Lancashire and the remainder of North Yorkshire on 18 May 2025.
The zone now covers Bedfordshire, Berkshire (part), Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, City of York, Dorset, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Devon (part), East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire (part), Lincolnshire, Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire (part), Somerset (part), Suffolk, Surrey, Warwickshire (part), West Sussex and Wiltshire (additional part).
BTV-3 update 13/5/25
The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain for the 2024 to 2025 vector season is 260 (258 in England and 2 (high risk moves) in Wales).
The total number of BTV-12 cases in Great Britain for the 2024 to 2025 vector season is one (in England).
The location of all premises in Great Britain where one or more animals have tested positive by PCR to bluetongue serotype 3 or serotype 12 is available on the bluetongue case map. By clicking on the map layer icon you can also see the restricted zone and infected area as well as density maps for cattle and sheep numbers. Visit the RH&W BTV-3 hub for more information
BTV-3 update 12/05/2025
Pre-movement testing exemptions until 12 June 2025
Pre movement testing exemptions have been extended to 12 June 2025. This means that you do not need to test animals which are over the age of 60 days (subject to them not being pregnant or entire males intended for breeding) before being moved out of the restricted zone.
You must apply for a specific movement licence to move animals out of the restricted zone.
This change reflects the current low risk of moving these animals out of the zone, although we may end the exemption sooner if the risk of bluetongue virus transmission has increased.
BTV-3 update 08/05/2025
Updated guidance on reporting of suspected bluetongue in animals, stillborn or aborted in a restricted zone
You must report animals born, stillborn or aborted with suspected bluetongue immediately. When you call, a duty vet from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will discuss the situation with you.
If the APHA vet can rule out bluetongue, no further action is needed.
If they cannot rule out bluetongue, they will decide whether an on-site investigation is needed at this stage. This comes down to whether all of the following conditions are met:
-
the animal is on a holding in the bluetongue restricted zone
-
the animal was either aborted, stillborn or is less than 21 days old
-
the dam did not move onto the farm from outside the restricted zone during pregnancy
-
there are no other susceptible animals on the premises with signs of bluetongue
-
no other notifiable diseases are suspected
If all the above are true, APHA will not arrange an on-site investigation. An authorisation code will be provided to allow your private vet to submit samples directly to the Pirbright Institute for free testing. You will need to cover the cost of sampling and postage.
BTV-3 update 01/05/2025
Vaccination against BTV-3 is now permitted in Scotland. Farmers are advised to discuss vaccination with their vet.
Keepers should ensure vaccinated cattle, sheep and goats are recorded on ScotEID and other susceptible species are reported on gov.uk: tinyurl.com/4r9u389c
BTV-3 update 24/04/2025
One new case was confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 24 April 2025:
- one bull was confirmed positive inside the restricted zone in Norfolk, following a positive pre-movement test
BTV-3 update 15/04/2025
The UK is still in a low risk period of vector transmission. This is when midges are active but are unlikely to be infectious. The risk of vector transmission of bluetongue is considered very low.
The bluetongue control rules remain the same during this period.
Pre movement testing exemptions have been extended to 15 May 2025. This means that you do not have to test animals which are over 60 days old, (subject to them not being pregnant, or entire males intended for breeding) before moving them out of the restricted zone. You must still apply for a specific movement licence to move animals out of the restricted zone. This exemption may end sooner if the risk of bluetongue transmission increases.
BTV-3 update 15/04/2025
Pre-movement testing exemptions until 15 May 2025
Pre-movement testing exemptions have been extended to 15 May 2025. This means that you do not have to test non-breeding animals over 60 days old before moving them out of the restricted zone.
You must apply for a specific movement licence to move animals out of the restricted zone.
The only animals you currently have to test are:
- entire males intended for breeding
- females that are pregnant or have unknown pregnancy status
- youngstock that are under 60 days old at the time of movement – unless they are travelling at foot with the maternal dam, in which case you can just test the maternal dam by PCR and ELISA
This exemption may end sooner if the risk of bluetongue transmission increases.
BTV-3 update 09/04/2025
One new case was confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 9 April 2025:
- 1 cow was confirmed positive outside the restricted zone in Lancashire, following a tracing of a positive calf tested in the restricted zone
BTV-3 update 03/04/2025
The UK is now in a low risk period of vector transmission. This is when midges are active but are unlikely to be infectious. The risk of vector transmission of bluetongue is considered very low.
The bluetongue control rules remain the same during this period.
Until 15 May 2025, you do not have to test non-breeding animals over 60 days old before moving them out of the restricted zone. You must still apply for a specific movement licence to move animals out of the restricted zone. This exemption may end sooner if the risk of bluetongue transmission increases.
BTV-3 update 26/03/2025
Pre-movement testing exemptions until 23 April 2025
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.
BTV-3 update 15/03/2025
6 new cases confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 15 March 2025:
- 1 calf confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Hertfordshire, following report of birth defects.
- 1 bovine was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in West Sussex, following a positive pre-movement test
- 3 bovines confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Essex, following a pre-movement test
- 3 bovines confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Norfolk, following a pre-movement test
- 1 bovine confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Devon, following a pre-movement test
- 6 bovines confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Hampshire, following a pre-movement test
BTV-3 update 14/03/2025
One new case confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 14 March 2025:
- 1 bovine was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in East Sussex following a non-negative pre-movement test.
BTV-3 update 11/03/2025
One new case confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 11 March 2025:
- 1 bull was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Norfolk following a private investigation into fertility issues
BTV-3 update 10/03/2025
One new case confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 10 March 2025:
- 1 bovine was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Suffolk following a report of suspicion in a calf with neurological signs
BTV-3 update 07/03/2025
Four new cases were confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 7 March 2025:
- 1 aborted calf was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in East Sussex following a report of suspicion in a cow that aborted
- 1 bovine was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Kent following a non-negative pre-movement test
- 1 bovine was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Suffolk following a non-negative pre-movement test
- 1 bovine was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Hampshire following a non-negative pre-movement test
BTV-3 update 04/03/2025
Two new cases confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 4 March 2025:
- 3 bovines were confirmed positive in the restricted zone in East Sussex following a report of suspicion in two cows that had aborted
- 34 young bovines were confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Hampshire following a non-negative pre-movement test
BTV-3 update 01/03/2025
Two new cases confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 1 March 2025:
- 1 bovine was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in East Yorkshire following a non-negative pre-movement test
- 7 bovines were confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Norfolk following a non-negative pre-movement test
BTV-3 update 28/02/2025
One new case confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 28 February 2025:
- 1 bovine was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in East Sussex following a non-negative pre-movement test
BTV-3 update 27/02/2025
One new case confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 27 February 2025:
- 1 bovine was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in West Sussex following a non-negative pre-movement test
BTV-3 update 24/02/2025
One new case confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 24 February 2025:
- 6 cattle were confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Kent detected during the annual bluetongue surveillance
BTV-3 update 23/02/2025
One new case was confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 23 February 2025:
- 1 calf with neurological signs was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Suffolk following a report suspicion of disease
BTV-3 update 21/02/2025
Three new cases were confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 21 February 2025:
- 1 bull was confirmed positive in the restricted zone on the Isle of Wight following a non-negative pre-movement test
- 1 bovine was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Buckinghamshire following a non-negative pre-movement test
- 1 bovine was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Hampshire following a non-negative pre-movement test
BTV-3 update 18/02/2025
One new case was confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 18 February 2025:
- 8 cattle were confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Norfolk following a non-negative pre-movement test
BTV-3 update 16/02/2025
Two new cases were confirmed positive for BTV-3 on 16 February 2025:
- 1 calf was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Suffolk following a report suspicion of disease
- 1 cow was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Kent following a non-negative pre-movement test
BTV-3 update 14/02/2025
Following the identification of cases in cattle in Dorset as part of the winter surveillance and in accordance with our policy of seeking to contain and slow the spread of disease by preventing the long distance moves of high-risk infected animals, the restricted zone was further extended on 14 February 2025 to include:
- Dorset
- Additional areas of Wiltshire
- Somerset (part)
- East Devon (part)
The zone was last updated on 15 December 2024.
Two new cases confirmed positive on 8 February 2025:
- 1 calf confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Norfolk following private submission to investigate calf health issues
- 8 cattle confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Kent detected during the annual bluetongue surveillance
BTV-3 update 13/02/2025
Three new cases confirmed positive on 13 February 2025:
- 1 cow confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Hertfordshire following non-negative pre-movement tests
- 3 cows confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Kent detected during the annual bluetongue surveillance
- 1 bull confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Lincolnshire following non-negative pre-movement tests
BTV-3 update 10/02/2025
The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain for the 2024 to 2025 vector season is 201 (199 in England and 2 (high risk moves) in Wales).
A case of bluetongue serotype 12 (BTV-12) was confirmed in England in a single cow in the restricted zone in Kent on 7 February 2025. The case was detected as part of the annual bluetongue surveillance. This is the first time the serotype has been detected in the UK. No additional zones are currently planned but the restricted zone will remain in place. Further testing and epidemiological investigations will be undertaken.
The location of all premises in Great Britain where one or more animals have tested positive by PCR to bluetongue serotype 3 is available on the bluetongue case map. By clicking on the map layer icon you can also see the restricted zone and infected area as well as density maps for cattle and sheep numbers.
BTV-3 update 04/02/2025
The UK is in a seasonally vector low period. This means the risk of transmission of bluetongue is now very low. You must still have a licence to move animals out of a restricted zone. During the seasonally vector low period, you can move animals under licence directly from the restricted zone to other parts of England, or to Scotland or Wales.
If you moved animals out of the restricted zone on or before 20 January 2025, you must comply with any post-movement testing requirements set-out in your licence or restriction notice.
You can apply for free pre-movement and post-movement bluetongue testing if you are:
- moving animals out of a bluetongue zone not for immediate slaughter
- moving animals out of a bluetongue zone to a market outside the zone
- moving animals to a market within the same bluetongue zone, for sale to destinations outside the zone (not required for movement to slaughter)
You must still follow your licence conditions if the move requires a licence.
Pre-movement testing
To get free pre-movement testing:
- apply for any movement licences you need before you request testing
- you should apply for testing at least 10 working days before the planned move date
- a vet should sample your animals no more than 21 days before the move – this allows time to get your results
The movement must take place within 21 days of the sample being taken during the seasonally vector low period. As we get nearer to the time when midges become active, we expect to reduce the time allowed between sampling and movement.
You must move animals within the time period specified in the conditions of your licence. You should contact APHA if you are unable to move within this period.
If you fail to move your animal within the period in your licence and require another test you may be asked to pay for this.
Situation update
One new case confirmed on 29 January 2025. One calf born prematurely with suspect clinical signs confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Norfolk. Two new cases confirmed positive on 31 January 2025. One calf born prematurely with suspect clinical signs confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Suffolk. One bull confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Suffolk following non-negative pre-movement tests.
BTV-3 update 21/01/2025
The total number of cases in Great Britain for the 2024 to 2025 vector season is 196 (194 in England and 2 (high risk moves) in Wales).
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
Due to lower temperatures & reduced midge activity the risk of new infection & onward transmission due to vector activity is now very low. As a result of the reduced risk, certain restrictions are being eased from 21 Jan 2025, including removing the requirement for post-movement testing of animals, the use of insecticide on vehicles & the requirement to send animals from the Restricted Zone to designated abattoirs. See more at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/seasonally-vector-low-period-for-bluetongue-begins.
Restrictions will be revised when vector activity increases again with warmer temperatures, which tends to be in March/April.
Updated information available at the following links:
BTV-3 update 17/01/2025
Three new cases have been confirmed on 17 January 2025:
- two calves with neurological signs were confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Suffolk following a private test
- one bovine was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Oxfordshire following surveillance testing
- two cattle were confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Suffolk following a non-negative pre-movement test
BTV-3 update 11/01/2025
One new case was confirmed on 11 January 2025 – one bovine was confirmed in the restricted zone in Hampshire following surveillance testing.
Two new bluetongue cases were confirmed following surveillance testing.
Check the BTV-3 map and GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/bluetongue for info.
BTV-3 update 10/01/2025
Two new bluetongue cases were confirmed following surveillance testing. On 10 January 2025 3 cattle were confirmed positive close to the edge of the restricted zone in North Yorkshire. On 9 January 2025 one female bovine was confirmed positive on the edge of the restricted zone in Dorset.
The total number of cases in Great Britain for the 2024 to 2025 vector season is 192 (190 in England and 2 (high risk moves) in Wales).
Check the BTV-3 map and GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/bluetongue for info.