Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency updated their bluetongue situation note on 8 January 2026, confirming three additional BTV-3 cases between 6 and 7 January and restating the current risk assessment, control zones and movement rules across Great Britain. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-latest-situation))
Season totals stand at 270 confirmed cases since July 2025: 249 in England (241 BTV-3 only, one BTV-8 only, and seven with both serotypes) and 21 BTV-3 in Wales; no cases are reported in Scotland. Four BTV-3 cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland. A publicly accessible case map shows PCR-positive premises. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-latest-situation))
Recent symptomatic investigations included a Cheshire cow abortion with a separate aborted calf on 7 January; on 6 January, a Devon cow with diarrhoea, milk drop, drooling and head swelling and two abortions in Cornwall; and on 5 January, a further Devon case with abortion among the signs described. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-latest-situation))
With lower temperatures, officials assess onward midge-borne spread as negligible in the south-east, East Anglia, the south-west and the north-east. Infection can still arise from previously infected midges or germinal products. The overall incursion risk is rated medium, while airborne incursion is negligible. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-latest-situation))
England remains under a country-wide Restricted Zone with an overlaying Infected Area declared from 1 July 2025. Movements wholly within England do not require specific bluetongue licences or pre-movement testing, provided the conditions in general licence EXD612(E) are met. Movements out of the zone remain licence-controlled under the Bluetongue Regulations 2008 and the Movement of Animals (Restrictions) Order 2002. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-movement-licences-and-designated-slaughterhouses))
Wales has been under an all-Wales BTV-3 Restricted Zone since 00:01 on 10 November 2025. The designation revoked the temporary control zone and premises-level restrictions and permits routine livestock movements between England and Wales without bluetongue vaccination or mitigation. Welsh Government materials also continue to stress vaccination and confirm ongoing controls for germinal products, including donor testing before freezing or marketing. ([gov.wales](https://www.gov.wales/all-wales-bluetongue-virus-restricted-zone-and-infected-area-declaration-10-november-2025?utm_source=openai))
Movements from the English Restricted Zone to Scotland or Wales are managed under updated general licences, including EXD662(EW) for animals to Scotland, EXD671(EW) for movements between restricted zones, EXD657(E) for animals from sales to Scotland, and EXD656(EW)/EXD658(EW) for germinal products. Operators must use the latest versions, meet all conditions, carry copies during transport and inspect stock before loading. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bluetongue-licences-to-move-animals-from-the-restricted-zone-to-scotland-or-wales-exd603-exd608))
Freezing germinal products in England requires either a specific licence or use of a designated premises. Donor animals must be tested after collection-RT-PCR at 6 to 28 days or ELISA at 28 to 60 days, noting ELISA is unsuitable for vaccinated donors. Keepers fund sampling, postage and testing and should segregate unverified material in storage until negative results are confirmed. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/restrictions-on-germinal-product-from-bluetongue-susceptible-animals))
Three BTV-3 vaccines-Bluevac-3, Bultavo 3 and SYVAZUL BTV 3-are authorised for use in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Use must follow national licensing and reporting rules. Trade restrictions continue to apply to vaccinated animals, and pre-movement testing should not be undertaken until at least seven days after vaccination to avoid interference with monitoring. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-serotype-3-btv-3-vaccination))
For winter operations, policy settings aim to maintain business continuity while managing disease risk. Farm businesses should align plans with the relevant English general licence for internal moves, confirm cross-border requirements in advance, and keep auditable records for any collection, freezing or storage of germinal products pending required test results. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-movement-licences-and-designated-slaughterhouses))