Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency report 180 bluetongue cases in Great Britain for the 2025 season (since July). England accounts for 167 cases-161 BTV‑3 only, one BTV‑8 only and five dual BTV‑3/BTV‑8-alongside 13 BTV‑3 cases in Wales; no cases are recorded in Scotland. The official update was last revised on 13 November 2025.
Recent confirmations indicate continued low‑level detections across multiple counties. On 12 November, routine surveillance found BTV‑3 in one bovine in West Sussex and four in East Sussex. On 11 November, private testing identified two bovines in Staffordshire, while surveillance confirmed seven cattle in East Sussex and two single bovines in Somerset. Defra also records 18 cases between 3 and 10 November across Cheshire, Cornwall, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Somerset and West Sussex.
Officials assess onward spread by midges to be very low in the south‑east, East Anglia, the south‑west and the north‑east as temperatures fall. Overall risk of incursion from all routes remains medium, with airborne incursion now low; infection can still arise from previously infected midges or germinal products.
England remains under a nationwide restricted zone and infected area declared from 1 July 2025. Movements out of the restricted zone require a veterinary licence, and animals showing clinical signs must not be moved within the zone on the day of transport. These measures apply until amended by further declaration.
Wales introduced an all‑Wales restricted zone at 00:01 on 10 November 2025. Temporary control zones and premises‑level restrictions were lifted the same day, and livestock can move between England and Wales within restricted zones without requiring bluetongue vaccination or additional mitigation. Testing requirements for germinal products continue.
Within England’s restricted zone, routine moves that meet general animal health and transport law can proceed, but consignments must not include clinically affected animals. Operators should check the official restricted‑zone map before planning sales, shows or market movements.
Freezing semen, ova or embryos is only permitted at designated premises or under a specific licence. Keep auditable records of collection, storage, use and disposal until donor animals are confirmed negative, and ensure transiting animals travel by the shortest route without unloading.
General licences are available for common movements, including moving animals between restricted zones, moving animals from sales in England to Scotland, and moving germinal products to Scotland or from designated premises to areas outside a restricted zone. Operators must use the latest licence version, meet all conditions and carry a copy in transit.
Vaccination remains part of the toolkit. Three BTV‑3 vaccines-Bluevac‑3, Bultavo 3 and SYVAZUL BTV 3-are authorised for use in Great Britain, subject to country‑specific licence or declaration conditions. Vets are asked to record vaccine use and report any adverse effects as set out in government guidance.
Trade rules still apply to vaccinated animals. Government guidance advises against pre‑movement testing of vaccinated animals within seven days of vaccination to avoid interference with BTV‑3 monitoring.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Keepers must report suspicion immediately via the official channels; APHA may arrange testing or authorise private sampling depending on circumstances. Routine biosecurity and livestock identification and movement recording obligations remain in force.