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Bluetongue

As of 14 February 2025 the Bluetongue Restriction Zone now includes:

  • Dorset
  • Additional areas of Wiltshire
  • Parts of Somerset
  • Parts of East Devon.

To see if you are in an affected area, see the APHA Interactive Bluetongue Virus Map.

Please be aware if you are in the Restriction Zone you may be required to complete a licence for some movements including to livestock markets. For further information see GOV.UK – Move animals from the bluetongue restricted zone to a market.

Following advice from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) it has been confirmed that we have now entered the seasonally vector low period for bluetongue. This means the risk of transmission of bluetongue is now very low.

As a result of the reduction in risk, certain restrictions were eased from Tuesday 21 January including removing the following:

  • The requirement for post-movement testing of animals moved out of the Restriction Zone provided they have a valid negative pre-movement test result.
  • The use of insecticide on vehicles.
  • The requirement to send animals from the Restricted Zone to designated abattoirs.

Livestock keepers must still:

  • Have a licence to move animals or germinal product out of a restricted zone.
  • Arrange for a pre-movement test for all animals moving out of the restricted zone unless they are moving direct to slaughter or via a dedicated slaughter market.
  • Comply with any post-movement testing requirements set out in your licence or Restriction Notice if you moved animals out of the Restricted Zone on or before 20 January 2025.
  • Apply for a licence to freeze germinal products within the restricted zone.

The General licence for movements of animals from within a Restricted Zone to slaughter during the seasonal vector low period is available on the GOV.UK website:
EXD634 (E) (GL) General licence for movements of animals from within a restricted zone to slaughter during the seasonal vector low period.

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

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.


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