Current Bluetongue Outbreak: Key Insights and Updates

As the bluetongue situation evolves, it is crucial for those involved in livestock management to remain vigilant for any signs of the disease and report any suspicions promptly.

Current Bluetongue Case Overview

In the bluetongue season spanning 2026 to 2027, there has been a single confirmed case of bluetongue (BTV-3) in England since 1 July 2026. It is noteworthy that no cases have been reported in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.

The locations of all premises across Great Britain where animals have tested positive for bluetongue serotypes 3, 8, or 12 can be reviewed on the bluetongue case map. Users are encouraged to select the appropriate map layer for cases verified since 1 July 2024.

Recent Developments in the Bluetongue Situation

The 2026 to 2027 season has begun with a confirmed case of BTV-3 in England on 10 July 2026, following reports of concerning clinical signs in a ewe from Staffordshire. The ewe exhibited symptoms such as head swelling, drooling, crusty nostrils, and lameness in all four feet, prompting laboratory tests that confirmed the infection.

In the previous season (2025 to 2026), several cases were recorded: on 23 June 2026, a calf in Lancashire born blind was confirmed positive for BTV-3, while on 9 June, another blind calf in Staffordshire tested positive. Earlier, on 3 June 2026, a calf exhibiting behavioural and neurological signs also tested positive for the virus.

Assessing the Risk of Bluetongue Transmission

As of 31 March 2026, the midges responsible for the spread of bluetongue resumed their activity. With the recent warm weather, experts now ascertain that temperatures have reached levels conducive for the virus’s development within these midges, thus enabling the possibility of onward transmission. Additionally, animals may become infected through germinal products such as semen, ova, or embryos.

Temperatures in several areas of continental Europe are also sufficiently high, increasing the likelihood that midges there may have completed their extrinsic incubation period (EIP) and become infectious. Consequently, the risk of transmission from midges blown across the Channel has risen. Overall, the likelihood of bluetongue virus incursion from all sources remains categorised as medium, although the risk associated with airborne transmission is considered negligible.

Understanding Control Zones for Bluetongue

For those managing livestock, it is important to consult the bluetongue zone map to determine if you are located within a control zone. Currently, the entire region of England is classified as a bluetongue restricted zone, allowing for the movement of animals within England without the need for specific bluetongue licences or pre-movement testing.

However, a particular licence is required to freeze germinal products across England, with testing being mandatory. Livestock keepers are responsible for the associated costs of sampling and testing. In Wales, a similar restricted zone has been in place since 10 November 2025, which allows for the free movement of livestock between England and Wales without requiring bluetongue vaccination or mitigation measures. Nevertheless, restrictions regarding the testing of donor animals for germinal products remain in force.

Guidelines for Moving Animals and Animal Products

Specific guidelines are in place regarding the movement of live animals both within and outside the restricted zones. This includes the use of general licences for transferring animals and germinal products from the restricted zone to Scotland or Wales. There are also protocols for moving, freezing, and storing germinal products, along with specific regulations for transferring certain animals from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.

Vaccination and Biosecurity Measures

Vaccination against BTV-3 is a critical component of biosecurity strategies aimed at curbing the spread of bluetongue. Livestock owners are encouraged to adopt best practices to ensure the health of their animals and minimise risks associated with this disease.

Livestock Identification and Movement Regulations

To comply with regulations, livestock keepers should be familiar with the identification and movement rules pertaining to cattle, bison, buffalo, sheep, goats, and deer. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is the appropriate point of contact for those managing camelids, such as llamas or alpacas, or for individuals who require clarification on the applicable regulations.

Importation Protocols for Animals and Animal Products

It is essential to be aware of the rules governing the import and export of animals and animal products, particularly with respect to trade with the EU. Compliance with these protocols helps to safeguard livestock health and maintain biosecurity across borders.

Educational Resources and Support

For further information, stakeholders can access a variety of educational materials, including recordings of webinars on bluetongue, as well as leaflets, videos, and posters that outline important information regarding the disease.

Defra’s Strategy for Bluetongue Control

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) employs a comprehensive strategy to manage bluetongue cases through the implementation of the Bluetongue: disease control framework in England. This strategy aims to mitigate the impact of the disease and protect livestock health.

A Historical Context of Bluetongue Cases

The 2026 to 2027 outbreak season witnessed its first case confirmed on 10 July 2026. In the previous season (2025 to 2026), a total of 348 bluetongue cases were reported in Great Britain. Of these, 324 cases were in England, which included 311 cases of BTV-3, five cases of BTV-8, and seven cases involving both serotypes. Wales recorded 24 cases of BTV-3, while Scotland reported no cases. The cases were confirmed between 11 July 2025 and 23 June 2026, alongside five confirmed cases in Northern Ireland.

In the 2024 to 2025 season, Defra confirmed 160 cases of BTV-3 in England and two cases resulting from high-risk movements in Wales, alongside one instance of bluetongue virus serotype 12 (BTV-12) in England, yielding a total of 163 confirmed cases from 26 August 2024 to 31 May 2025.

Prior to these outbreaks, the last significant incidence of bluetongue occurred between 2007 and 2008, when BTV-8 was reported, marking a critical period in the management of livestock health in the UK.