The Bluetongue Virus restricted zone will be extended from
1 July 2025 to cover the whole of England, ending movement
restrictions for animals and allowing farmers to move cattle,
sheep, all ruminants, camelids, throughout England without
movement tests.
Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) is primarily transmitted by midge bites
and affects cattle, goats, sheep, goats, deer and camelids such
as llamas and alpacas. The impacts on susceptible animals can
vary greatly – but in most cases seen since September 2024
clinical signs have been mild and animals have recovered.
The decision to extend the zone follows consultation between
industry and scientists recognising that the area of England
where disease has been found is now too large for movement
restrictions to remain an effective and proportionate way of
controlling the disease.
Many areas of England are now affected by BTV and safe and
effective vaccines are available. Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3)
vaccines are now available and farmers are strongly encouraged to
discuss their use with their private vet as vaccination is the
most effective way to protect livestock from
bluetongue.
This new approach is in alignment with the approach taken
throughout the EU. This will also allow a renewed focus on
resources on higher priority disease risks, which now presents a
greater risk to industry, such as Foot and Mouth Disease and
African Swine Fever.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss
said:
Through movement controls we have slowed the westerly spread of
bluetongue until vaccines are available. We are now moving away
from government imposed movement controls which are costly and
disruptive to farming particularly those within the zones. An
all-England restriction zone will allow livestock farmers
currently impacted by burdensome restrictions to be on equal
footing with rest of England.
We encourage all farmers and keepers to discuss the use of BTV-3
vaccines to protect their herds and flocks with their private vet
as this is the most effective way of protecting susceptible
species.
I urge all livestock keepers to report suspect disease. It is
especially important to remember that foot and mouth disease and
bluetongue can have similar clinical presentation.
BTV is a notifiable disease. Farmers should continue to monitor
their animals frequently for clinical signs and report suspicion
of disease immediately, they should also make sure their animals
and land are registered with APHA so keepers can be kept informed
and animals easily located
Suspicion of BTV in animals in England must be reported to the
Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.
In Wales, suspected disease should be reported to the Animal and
Plant Health Agency on 03003 038 268.
In Scotland, you should contact your local Field Services
Office if you suspect bluetongue. In Northern Ireland
please report to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by
contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.
Restrictions on the freezing of germinal products within the
restricted zone will remain
Guidance for livestock owners on how to spot and report the
disease can be found here: Bluetongue: news,
information and guidance for livestock keepers - GOV.UK
