Bluetongue virus latest news

1 December 2025

The latest updates, news and advice about the current bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) situation in the UK.

Latest situation

There have been 228 cases of bluetongue in Great Britain in the 2025 bluetongue season (since July 2025).

• In England, there have been 213 cases of bluetongue – including 205 cases of only BTV-3, 1 case of only BTV-8 and 7 cases with both BTV-3 and BTV-8
• In Wales, there have been 15 cases of BTV-3
• 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 to bluetongue serotype 3, serotype 8 or serotype 12 is available on the bluetongue case map.

Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

If you have further questions or if you would like to speak to someone, call the AHDB bluetongue hotline on 024 7771 0386. 

We want to understand how BTV-3 is affecting farms like yours, as well as what your views are on vaccinating against BTV-3.

Your feedback will help us prepare for next year so together we can protect livestock and ensure the industry is ready to manage the ongoing impact of the disease.

Vaccination

Defra’s Secretary of State has permitted the use of three bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines within the UK, subject to a valid licence or declaration.

For more information about the vaccines, see our vaccine comparison tables.

Vaccination cost calculator

Calculate how much it will cost to vaccinate your livestock against bluetongue virus and how much it could save you using our interactive calculators.

Moving animals and pre-movement testing

Bluetongue movements checker tool

Use this interactive tool to find the correct advice and licensing requirements for moving animals within or across a border within Great Britain.

It will help you find what movement licences are needed, as well as highlighting when pre-movement testing and or vaccination is required as a legal stipulation of a movement.

There are specific answers for moves to other farm premises, shows, markets or abattoirs, taking into account the devolved Government policies on BTV-3 across England, Wales and Scotland.

Regional requirements

Pre-movement testing requirements vary by region – check the latest situation in your area using the links below.

The Welsh Government announced an all-Wales BTV-3 Restricted Zone as of 10 November 2025. This allows free movement of livestock between England and Wales.

Collecting samples

You must commission your own private veterinary surgeon to collect samples at your cost.

Guidance on collecting and sending samples can be found on the Improve International and Pirbright Institute websites; this guidance must be followed if using a private veterinary surgeon.

Samples must be submitted directly to the Pirbright Institute.

Vets and stakeholders across the ruminant sector are being urged to support a new industry campaign – Battle Bluetongue – which encourages farmers in England to consult their vet about vaccinating their herd or flock against bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3).

The three key messages are:

1. Assess your risk: vets and farmers working together to evaluate the risk to BTV-3 on farms by using our vaccination calculators and decision-making tool.
2. Protect your business: safeguard businesses from restrictions by managing all identified risks that can be controlled on livestock holdings.
3. Defend your stock: vaccinate the right animals for BTV-3 to reduce transmission and stop the spread.

Decision-making tool

Understand your risk factors and develop a farm-specific plan with your vet using our decision-making tool.

Email ruminantHW@ahdb.org.uk for more information and to request a Battle Bluetongue campaign pack or visit the Ruminant Health and Welfare website.

Bluetongue virus webinars

Our webinars provide the latest updates and presentations from industry experts on bluetongue.

The webinars offer vet practitioners and other stakeholders valuable technical information about BTV-3 that will help answer farmers' questions.

You can also submit questions ahead of the webinars.

If you miss any of the events, you can catch up with the recordings on YouTube.

Where is bluetongue?

A series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) have been developed with Defra and the wider industry to ensure you have factual, up-to-date information on bluetongue (BTV) during vector high-risk periods. 

Farmers and the industry are reminded they must remain Aware, apply Caution and use evidence-based Tactics (ACT) to mitigate against the virus.

What is bluetongue?

Bluetongue is a non-contagious, viral disease affecting domestic and wild ruminants and camelids, which is transmitted by biting midges. It does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions.

Clinical signs include:

• Lameness
• Lethargy
• Ulcers/sores around nose and mouth
• Fever
• Not eating
• Milk drop