Bluetongue latest: More work needed on easing of bluetongue restrictions in Wales

Latest bluetongue situation

草榴社区 in Wales have been provided a small ray of hope that the impact of bluetongue restrictions could be reduced over the next few months, but only if livestock have been vaccinated.

Welsh Government has announced that from August 18, farmers could potentially take livestock to one of eight pre-approved markets in England within a 12 mile radius of the border.

However, farmers will have to prove all livestock has completed a course of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccination before entering auction marts.

More of the story can be found here

Fourth case of season confirmed in Norfolk

A new case of Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) was confirmed in England on July 19. One out of two bovines tested in Norfolk returned a positive result, following a non-negative result from a private test.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Great Britain for the 2025–2026 vector season to four, all of which have been detected in England.

The risk of transmission through infected midges remains 'very high' across England and much of Great Britain, according to Defra.

First cases confirmed of 2025-2026 season

On July 11, two cattle in Herefordshire tested positive following a non-negative pre-movement test.

On the same day, a sheep in Oxfordshire was also confirmed with BTV-3 after showing clinical signs including hot, painful feet, reluctance to move, and general unwellness.

A further case was confirmed on July 12, in a sheep in Buckinghamshire, again following a report of suspicious clinical signs.

These confirmed cases are the first of the season, with the risk of transmission via infected midges now classed as 'very high' in England.

There were 262 confirmed BTV-3 cases across England and Wales during the 2024–2025 outbreak.

Cross-border movement eased as Wales introduces 'red markets'

From July 14, 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.

NFU Cymru said the introduction of approved red markets was a ‘step forward' in supporting farmers affected by bluetongue.

From July 14, livestock markets in Wales will be able to apply to become a red market.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: "I have been listening and closely monitoring the situation. Following constructive discussions with industry representatives this week, I am pleased to confirm that the evidence now supports easing some of the current restrictions."

Bluetongue Movements Checker tool launched to support farmers

The Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) and AHDB have released the Bluetongue Movements Checker to help farmers navigate the complex and changing bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) restrictions.

From July 1, 2025, the restricted zone has been extended to cover the whole of England.

The is an interactive online system which allows farmers to find out the correct advice and licensing requirements for moving animals around the UK, depending on the location and nature of the movement.

Bluetongue restricted zone extended to cover whole of England

The bluetongue virus restricted zone has been extended from July 1 to cover the whole of England, ending movement restrictions for animals and allowing farmers to move cattle, sheep, all ruminants, and camelids, throughout England without movement tests, has announced.

The decision to extend the zone follows consultation between industry and scientists, recognising that the area of England where disease has previously been found is now too large for movement restrictions to remain an effective and proportionate way of controlling the disease.

This new approach is in alignment with the approach taken throughout the EU. This will also allow a renewed focus on resources on higher priority disease risks, which now presents a greater risk to industry, such as Foot and Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever, Defra said.

What is bluetongue?

Defra said bluetongue is a notifiable disease caused by infection which can affect ruminants, such as sheep, cattle, goats, deer, and camelids.

Bluetongue can be spread by certain species of biting midges, through the movement of infected animals and animal products (such as blood and germinal products including semen, eggs, ova and embryos) within the UK and through imports, and infected pregnant animals transmitting the virus to their young.

Signs of bluetongue

The Government has provided the following information on the signs of bluetongue.

Sheep

Ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose
Discharge from the eyes or nose and drooling from mouth
Swelling of the lips, tongue, head and neck and the coronary band (where the skin of the leg meets the horn of the foot)
Red skin as a result of blood collecting beneath the surface
Fever
Lameness
Breathing problems
Abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths
Death

Lambs

Lambs born small, weak, deformed or blind
Death of lambs within a few days of birth
Stillbirths

Cattle

Lethargy
Crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle
Redness of the mouth, eyes, nose
Reddening of the skin above the hoof
Nasal discharge
Reddening and erosions on the teats
Fever
Milk drop
Not eating
Abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths
Adult cattle may be infectious for several weeks while showing little or no sign of disease. They are often the preferred host for biting midges (the vector of bluetongue virus).

Calves

Calves born small, weak, deformed or blind
Death of calves within a few days of birth
Stillbirths

What does bluetongue look like?

Preventing bluetongue

Responsibly sourcing livestock
Remaining vigilant to signs of disease
Housing animals in buildings that keep out biting midges – this is especially important at dawn and dusk
Maintaining good hygiene and biosecurity on your premises
Not allowing farm dogs, cats or pets to eat, chew on or play with potentially infected materials (such as aborted material and afterbirth)
Vaccinating your animals with a suitable authorised vaccine

Areas currently affected by bluetongue

Oxfordshire, Herefordshire, Buckinghamshire and Norfolk are currently the only counties which have had confirmed cases of the disease for the 2025-2026 vector. (As of July 24)

Government advice

Following the extension of the bluetongue virus restricted zone, from July 1, to cover the whole of England, UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: "Through movement controls, we have slowed the westerly spread of bluetongue until vaccines are available.

"We鈥痑re now moving away from Government-imposed movement controls, which are costly and disruptive to farming particularly those within the zones.

"An all-England restriction zone will allow livestock farmers currently impacted by burdensome restrictions to be on equal footing with rest of England," Dr Middlemiss added.

"I urge all livestock keepers to report suspect disease. It is especially important to remember that foot and mouth disease and bluetongue can have similar clinical presentation."

Animal and Plant Health Agency's chief executive Jenny Stewart said: "Scientists, vets and field teams from the Animal and Plant Health Agency are working hard to help tackle bluetongue virus and ensure farmers are kept up to date and supported."

Vaccines

Defra has granted permission for three bluetongue vaccines to be used in England.

How can you report bluetongue?

草榴社区 should remain vigilant and, as a legal requirement, report any suspicious signs of the disease in their livestock to Defra.

This can be done by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Service Office.

Podcast

Last year, 草榴社区 Guardian editor Katie Jones spoke with Mel McPherson, of Avon Farm Vets in Wiltshire, about a potential rise in cases of Schmallenberg.

Similarly, with bluetongue, there could potentially be a spike in cases if biting midge activity increases due to warmer weather.