Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency report 123 bluetongue cases across Great Britain in the 2025–26 vector season, which began in July 2025. England accounts for 117 BTV‑3 cases and 2 BTV‑8 cases; Wales has 4 BTV‑3 cases; Scotland has none. Figures were last updated on 18 October 2025, reflecting confirmations up to 17 October.
Recent confirmations include a BTV‑3 case in East Sussex on 17 October following clinical signs, plus detections the same day in three cattle in Nottinghamshire and a bull in Cheshire after non‑negative pre‑movement tests. Earlier October cases included dairy cows in Cornwall and Somerset, and single animals in Derbyshire, Dorset and West Yorkshire.
Officials assess that with lower temperatures the likelihood of onward spread by biting midges is low in the south‑east, East Anglia, the south‑west and the north‑east. The risk of incursion via all routes remains medium, and infection can still arise from already infected midges or from infected germinal products.
All of England has been within a bluetongue restricted zone since 1 July 2025. Moves within England do not require a specific bluetongue licence or pre‑movement testing, but movements must comply with the conditions of general licence EXD612(E) and they do not authorise movements out of the zone. The extension was set by a Defra declaration that also established an England‑wide infected area for germinal products.
Movements from the English restricted zone to Scotland or Wales must use the appropriate general licences and meet the destination nation’s conditions. Defra updated several licences in mid‑October, including those covering vaccinated animals and specified sales. Operators should download the latest versions and carry them during transport.
Freezing semen, ova or embryos anywhere in England requires either a specific licence or use of a designated premises. Post‑collection testing is mandatory, typically RT‑PCR 6 to 28 days after collection or ELISA 28 to 60 days after collection. Keepers cover sampling, postage and laboratory costs, and germinal product should be quarantined until a negative result is confirmed.
Wales has a temporary control zone near Tintern, Monmouthshire, established on 1 October 2025 following a confirmed BTV‑3 case. Movement within or out of the TCZ is controlled by Welsh general licences, including routes to slaughter or to other premises under set conditions. Businesses should consult Welsh Government guidance before arranging moves.
Three BTV‑3 vaccines-Bluevac‑3, Bultavo 3 and SYVAZUL BTV 3-are authorised for use in Great Britain. In England, vaccination must follow the relevant general licence and be reported. Trade restrictions still apply to vaccinated animals, and pre‑movement testing in bluetongue zones should not be undertaken until at least seven days after vaccination to avoid interference with surveillance.
Biosecurity expectations remain clear: source livestock responsibly, reduce midge exposure by housing where appropriate, keep premises hygienic and ensure animals are traceable through correct identification and records. Keepers uncertain about requirements, including camelid owners, should contact APHA for advice.
Importers should review bluetongue safeguards for live ruminants and germinal products from the EU and EFTA. Great Britain currently does not accept susceptible animals from countries with active BTV‑3 because certificate requirements cannot be met; APHA may test certain imports post‑arrival and restrict movements until clearance is confirmed.
Operators should check the Defra zone map and the case map before any planned movement. Defra indicates that control decisions follow the published bluetongue disease control framework for England, which underpins zones, licensing and vaccination policy.