Bluetongue in Great Britain: 270 cases, January 2026

As of 8 January 2026, Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency report 270 bluetongue cases in Great Britain this season (from July 2025). This week’s update confirms three BTV‑3 cases between 6 and 7 January in Cheshire, Cornwall and Devon after suspicious clinical signs were reported. Here’s what that means for you this winter. (gov.uk)

Quick refresher: bluetongue is a virus mainly spread by biting midges. It affects sheep, cattle, other ruminants and camelids. It does not infect people or affect food safety, but outbreaks can trigger movement and trade restrictions. If you suspect it, you must report it because it is a notifiable disease. (gov.uk)

In the 2025 season, England has 249 cases - 241 BTV‑3 only, one BTV‑8 only and seven with both - and Wales has 21 BTV‑3; Scotland has none. To see where cases have been confirmed, Defra’s interactive case map shows premises that tested positive by PCR, the lab method that detects viral genetic material. (gov.uk)

With temperatures falling, officials judge onward spread by midges to be negligible in the south‑east, East Anglia, the south‑west and the north‑east. The risk of new virus arriving from outside the country remains medium, and airborne incursion is negligible. Winter helps slow the vector, but it is not a free pass to relax checks. (gov.uk)

Wales has been under an all‑Wales restricted zone since 00:01 on 10 November 2025. In practice, that ended the temporary control zone and premises‑level restrictions, and it allows free livestock movement between England and Wales without bluetongue vaccination or extra mitigation. Restrictions on germinal products still apply. (gov.wales)

All of England remains a bluetongue restricted zone. Within England you do not need a specific licence or pre‑movement tests to move animals, as long as you meet the conditions of general licence EXD612(E). This covers moves to markets, shows and slaughterhouses inside the restricted zone. (gov.uk)

If you plan moves to Scotland or Wales, use the appropriate general licences and follow each nation’s rules on any pre‑movement testing. Always download the latest licence version and keep a copy with you during the journey. (gov.uk)

Germinal products means semen, ova and embryos. To freeze them in England, you must apply for a specific licence or use a designated premises, and donor animals must be tested after collection. The test windows are 6 to 28 days post‑collection for PCR and 28 to 60 days for ELISA. Keepers cover sampling, postage and testing costs. (gov.uk)

BTV‑3 vaccination is available across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Three vaccines - Bluevac‑3, Bultavo 3 and SYVAZUL BTV 3 - have marketing authorisations and must be used under the relevant licence or declaration. Vets are asked to record use. Vaccinated animals still face trade restrictions, and pre‑movement testing should wait at least seven days after vaccination. (gov.uk)

Signs reported in recent English cases included abortion, milk drop, drooling, swollen muzzles or heads, fever and lethargy. More broadly, signs may include mouth ulcers, nasal discharge, lameness and stillbirths. If you suspect bluetongue, contact APHA immediately - reporting is a legal requirement. (gov.uk)

Before you set off this week, make three checks: use the restricted zone map to confirm your location, scan the case map for nearby positives, and confirm which licence applies to your route. If you collect or freeze germinal products, schedule post‑collection tests within the right window and factor in the laboratory costs. (defra.maps.arcgis.com)

For readers with links to Northern Ireland, a Temporary Control Zone remains in place in County Down and on 8 January DAERA announced time‑limited support for pre‑movement testing within the zone. Check DAERA updates before planning any cross‑channel moves. (daera-ni.gov.uk)