UK bluetongue: 284 cases, England-Wales rules 2026

If you’re seeing bluetongue maps in your feed, here’s the short version as of 1 February 2026. Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency report 284 confirmed cases in Great Britain this season (since July 2025): 263 in England and 21 in Wales, with none in Scotland. Northern Ireland’s DAERA confirms four BTV-3 cases. We’ll walk through how it spreads, what to look for, and what the current restricted zones mean. (gov.uk)

First, what bluetongue is and isn’t. Bluetongue is a viral disease mainly spread by biting midges and it affects ruminants such as sheep, cattle, goats and deer, as well as camelids. It does not affect people or food safety, but it is a notifiable disease, which means suspected cases must be reported. (gov.uk)

How it shows up can differ between species and by virus type. Sheep often show obvious signs such as mouth and nose ulcers, drooling, swelling around the head, fever and lameness. Cattle can be quieter carriers, with milk drop, mouth redness and teat lesions - and sometimes little to see. Infection during pregnancy can lead to abortions, stillbirths or calves and lambs born small, weak or with deformities. Recent official case notes include aborted foetuses and congenital problems in calves in late January. If you suspect bluetongue, contact APHA. (gov.uk)

Let’s talk vectors. The culprits are Culicoides biting midges. Their activity depends on temperature, wind and season. In winter, onward spread by midges in parts of England is currently assessed as negligible; however, infections can still appear from already infected midges or through infected animals or germinal products. The overall risk of the virus entering from outside remains medium, even as the chance of windborne incursion is judged negligible. (gov.uk)

You’ll see different “serotypes” mentioned. This season is dominated by BTV-3 in England and Wales, with a single BTV-8 case and a small number of mixed BTV-3/BTV-8 positives; England also recorded one BTV-12 case in early 2025. Severity varies by serotype and strain, which is why vets and labs specify which type they find. (gov.uk)

Zones in plain English. All of England is in a bluetongue restricted zone. Wales moved to an all‑Wales restricted zone on 10 November 2025. Livestock can move freely between England and Wales without bluetongue vaccination, though specific controls still apply to germinal products such as semen, ova and embryos. Use the official zone map if you need to double‑check a holding’s status before planning moves. (gov.uk)

Moving animals: what you should check. Within England, you can move animals without a bluetongue licence or pre‑movement testing. To move animals or germinal products from the English restricted zone to Scotland or Wales, use the relevant general licences. Northern Ireland operates separate licences under DAERA while its temporary control zone remains in place. (gov.uk)

Germinal products, simplified. To freeze semen, ova or embryos in England right now you need either a specific licence or to use a designated premises. Donor animals must be tested after collection - by PCR 6 to 28 days post‑collection, or by ELISA 28 to 60 days post‑collection - and material shouldn’t be used until a negative result is back. Keepers cover sampling, postage and testing costs, and good labelling and records are essential. (gov.uk)

Vaccination against BTV‑3 is available. Three authorised vaccines - Bluevac‑3, Bultavo 3 and SYVAZUL BTV 3 - can be used in Great Britain under national rules. You should report vaccination activity as required, and note that trade restrictions still apply to vaccinated animals; avoid testing immediately after jabs to prevent interference with monitoring. Speak to your vet about timing and eligibility. (gov.uk)

So, what’s the risk right now? With colder weather, experts judge onward spread by midges to be negligible in several English regions, though the broader risk of new introductions from outside is still medium. Practical steps still help: house stock at dawn and dusk when midges are most active, keep strict hygiene, and plan movements and breeding with the current rules in mind. (gov.uk)

What this means if you keep livestock. Keep a regular eye on your animals and use the official case map to understand what’s nearby. If you suspect disease, report it - bluetongue is a legal‑to‑report disease and early testing protects others. Building these habits now means you’re ready when vector activity rises again in spring. (gov.uk)

Classroom idea. Treat bluetongue as a case study in vector‑borne disease. Plot weekly case numbers against average temperatures, discuss why winter changes risk, and compare how different serotypes and movement rules affect farms, trade and animal welfare. It’s a clear example of science and policy working together in real time.