The restricted zone for bluetongue was extended to cover all of England on 1 July 2025. This means that you can now move animals within England without a specific bluetongue licence or pre-movement testing.
For guidance on moving animals within England, from England to Scotland and from England to Wales, please see the following guides:
- GOV.UK – Moving animals in England – including farms, markets, shows and slaughterhouses
- GOV.SCOT – Moving animals from England to Scotland
- GOV.WALES – Moving animals from England to Wales
You will need a specific licence to freeze germinal products (semen, ova and embryo) anywhere in England and testing will be required. Keepers will be responsible for the cost of sampling, postage and testing. Find more information in the declaration. Read more on GOV.UK: Collecting, freezing and moving germinal product in England.
Risk level
The risk of transmission via infected midges is now considered to be very high in England and most of Great Britain.
Control zones
Check if you’re in a zone on the bluetongue zone map.
Vaccination remains the most effective long-term option for disease control. You are encouraged to discuss vaccination with your vet to determine if it is right for your animals. If you vaccinate your animals you must report it within 48 hours. For information about the availability of BTV-3 vaccines please see the following guides:
For the most up-to-date information visit GOV.UK – Bluetongue: news, information and guidance for livestock keepers.
If you suspect bluetongue, you must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301 in England, 03003 038 268 in Wales or your local Field Services Office in Scotland.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. This means if you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.
Find out how to spot, report and prevent the spread of bluetongue, and get information on current cases and movement restrictions at GOV.UK – Bluetongue: news, information and guidance for livestock keepers.
Bluetongue affects ruminants (such as cattle, sheep, goats and deer) and camelids (such as alpacas and llamas). Bluetongue is caused by a virus that is spread by biting midges.
It does not affect people or food safety. Meat and milk are safe to eat and drink.
GOV.UK bluetongue information
- Bluetongue: news, information and guidance for livestock keepers
- Bluetongue: how to spot and report it
- Bluetongue: how to prevent it and stop it spreading
- Bluetongue movement licences and designated slaughterhouses
- Animal diseases: plan, prevent and protect webinars
When bluetongue (BTV-3) arrived in the UK
The first case of a new bluetongue virus serotype (BTV-3) was confirmed in England on 10 November 2023 and further cases of old infections have been detected through surveillance in the South East and East of England.
BTV-3 was first reported in September 2023 in the Netherlands. It has since been found in several other northern European countries.
Bluetongue: leaflets, videos and posters
To download and print leaflets and posters to help raise awareness of the risks of bluetongue, and watch videos to learn about the rules you need to follow, control measures government may take and biosecurity best practice, go to GOV.UK – Bluetongue: leaflets, videos and posters.