Bluetongue virus update

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is continuing to affect livestock across Great Britain (GB), with over 100 confirmed cases in England since July 2025, including the first detections in Wales in nearly a year. The disease, which primarily affects ruminants such as sheep, cattle, goats and deer, is spread by biting midges and poses no risk to human health or food safety, but can be fatal for animals and cause significant disruption to farming operations.

Latest situation

The total number of cases of Bluetongue in GB in the 2025 to 2026 vector season (since July 2025) stands at 117 at the time of writing, with:

● 111 cases of BTV-3 and two cases of BTV-8 in England

● four cases of BTV-3 in Wales

There have been no cases in Scotland.

The location of all premises in Great Britain where one or more animals have tested positive by PCR for bluetongue serotype 3, serotype 8 or serotype 12 is available on the bluetongue case map.

Clinical signs

Farmers are urged to be vigilant for signs of Bluetongue, which varies by species. Symptoms include:

● Sheep: fever, facial swelling, ulcers in the mouth and nose, drooling, lameness and high mortality

● Cattle: often subclinical but may show fever, nasal discharge, teat lesions and reproductive issues

● Goats and camelids: typically mild or no symptoms but can still carry and spread the virus

Impact on livestock and farming

The current outbreak has led to:

● Movement restrictions across England and into Wales and Scotland

● Trade limitations for unvaccinated or infected animals

● Economic losses due to reduced fertility, stillbirths and milk yield

Government response and advice

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has implemented a control strategy, which involves:

● Movement controls and licensing requirements

● Vaccination campaigns using licensed BTV-3 vaccines

● Surveillance and testing of livestock

Farmers are advised to:

● Discuss vaccination options with their vet.

● Report suspected cases immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA):

● England: 03000 200 301

● Wales: 0300 303 8268 ● Scotland: Contact your local Field Services Office. Find your nearest APHA Scotland Field Services office here.

Vaccination and movement updates

As of 21 September, vaccinated animals can move into Wales and Scotland under new general licences, easing previous restrictions. However, non-vaccinated animals still require negative pre-movement tests and specific licences.

Farmers can use the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Bluetongue movement checker tool and vaccination cost calculators for sheep, beef and dairy herds: ● AHDB Bluetongue Hub ● Report your use of the bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine – GOV.UK