The Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change
and Rural Affairs, has today announced an all-Wales Restricted
Zone (RZ) for Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) from 10 November 2025
The Welsh Government's Bluetongue control policy, supported by
regular evidence-based updates, has delayed Bluetongue incursion
from the all-England Restricted Zone until the time of year when
the impact and spread of the disease is limited. It has also
provided farmers with essential time to vaccinate their livestock
and prepare for the emergence of the disease in Wales.
Animal keepers continue to be encouraged to speak to their vets
about BTV-3 vaccination - to protect livestock and livelihoods.
To date, eleven cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in Wales, four
in Powys and seven in the Temporary Control Zone located in
Monmouthshire. It is likely the number of Bluetongue cases will
increase as our surveillance continues.
The restricted zone relates to BTV-3 only. Controls may need to
be introduced for positive cases of new Bluetongue serotypes,
should these emerge in the future.
The Deputy First Minister, said: “The success of our policy to
date is attributable to the hard work of delivery partners
including the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and The
Pirbright Institute, as well as the co-operation and goodwill of
the livestock sector.
“I appreciate the restrictions on livestock movements and the
introduction of the Temporary Control Zone (TCZ), have been
disruptive for livestock keepers and wider industry. I have met
with the livestock and
veterinary sectors regularly, in
roundtable meetings, and listened to feedback on the
challenges posed by both the restrictions on
livestock movements between England and Wales and the
potential animal health and welfare impacts of Bluetongue.
“Following those discussions, and in line with my commitment to
review our position based on new and emerging evidence, I have
considered our approach to Bluetongue policy in Wales for the
remainder of 2025 and beyond.
“Given that Bluetongue has reached Wales, and historic
temperature data and modelling work indicates it is very unlikely
for midge-borne transmission of Bluetongue virus to occur after
10 November in Wales, the declaration of an all-Wales Restricted
Zone will commence on that date.”
The declaration of the all-Wales RZ will have the following
effects:
-
Revocation of the TCZ - the existing TCZ and
associated conditions will be revoked, simplifying disease
control measures across Wales;
-
Removal of premises level restrictions -
individual premises across Wales will no longer be subject to
Bluetongue-specific movement or control restrictions;
-
No further culling or restrictions – culling
of infected animals and imposition of further Bluetongue
serotype 3 (BTV-3) restrictions will cease in Wales;
-
Free movement of
livestock - livestock
movements between England and Wales will no longer require
Bluetongue vaccination or other
mitigation measures, facilitating trade
and logistics. Vaccination is still
recommended, including for livestock moving to tack
grazing in England;
-
Ongoing Surveillance and future
preparedness - regular monitoring will
continue to for detection of any new
Bluetongue serotypes and support future efforts to regain
disease-free status. Controls may be necessary for
other BTV serotypes;
-
Continued restrictions on germinal products -
testing of donor animals before freezing and marketing of
germinal products will continue to provide quality assurance
and reduce the risk of longer-term Bluetongue transmission;
-
Changes for livestock movements to Scotland -
moving animals from the Wales RZ to Scotland will be subject to
the Scottish Government's rules on licensing and movement
testing.
During a roundtable meeting with the Deputy First Minister on 27
October, senior industry representatives provided unanimous
support for an all-Wales Restricted Zone. They confirmed
industry's need for the free movement of livestock between Wales
and England and their shared acceptance of the increased risk of
Bluetongue in Wales and the related animal health and welfare
issues, including fertility and production related impacts
arising from this policy.
Wales' Chief Veterinary Officer, Richard Irvine, said: “We
continue to urge animal keepers to source stock responsibly,
remain vigilant for the signs of Bluetongue, and to report any
suspect cases to the APHA immediately.
“Vaccination remains the best way to protect livestock and
livelihoods from the worst impacts of Bluetongue, which can
include both illness of affected livestock and longer-term
effects on fertility and productivity. It is more important than
ever to be prepared. With the full support of industry, I
strongly encourage animal keepers to discuss the role and timing
of Bluetongue vaccination of their herds and flocks with their
vets, particularly before the next active transmission period for
the disease, in spring 2026.”
The Deputy First Minister concluded: “As we move forward, ongoing
cooperation and collaboration between farmers, vets, Welsh
Government and delivery partners remains crucial to minimising
the long-term impact of Bluetongue in Wales.”
