Explore the latest developments in the bluetongue virus outbreak in Great Britain, including case numbers, risk assessments, and control strategies.
The bluetongue virus has been a significant concern in Great Britain, with the 2026 to 2026 season seeing a notable number of cases. As of the latest updates, the virus continues to affect livestock, prompting authorities to implement various control measures to mitigate its spread.
Bluetongue is a viral disease that primarily affects sheep and cattle, causing severe symptoms such as fever, swelling, and in some cases, death. The virus is transmitted by midges, and its spread is influenced by temperature and environmental conditions. Understanding the current situation and the measures in place is crucial for livestock owners and the agricultural community.
Current Case Numbers and Recent Updates
As of June 2026, there have been 346 confirmed cases of bluetongue in Great Britain during the 2026 to 2026 season. The majority of these cases have been reported in England, with 322 instances, while Wales has seen 24 cases.
Scotland has remained unaffected, and there are 5 confirmed cases in Northern Ireland.
The latest updates indicate a continuing spread of the virus, with new cases being reported regularly. For instance, on June 3, 2026, a new case of BTV-3 was confirmed in England, involving a calf born with behavioral and neurological signs. Similarly, on May 30, 2026, a case of BTV-8 was reported in a three-week-old calf that subsequently died.
These updates highlight the importance of vigilance and the implementation of biosecurity measures to prevent further spread. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) continues to monitor the situation closely and provides regular updates to the public and livestock owners.
Risk Levels and Control Zones
The risk level for bluetongue virus transmission has been assessed as medium, with the potential for the virus to develop inside midges due to rising temperatures. The midges that spread bluetongue became active again on March 31, 2026, and the warm weather has increased the likelihood of onward transmission.
To manage the spread, control zones have been established. The entire country of England is under a bluetongue restricted zoneallowing the movement of animals within the country without specific licenses or pre-movement testing. However, the movement of germinal products (semen, ova, and embryos) requires a specific license and testing.
Wales has also implemented an all-Wales restricted zone, effective from November 10, 2026. This zone facilitates the free movement of livestock between England and Wales without the need for bluetongue vaccination or mitigation measures. However, restrictions on germinal products remain in place to ensure quality assurance and reduce the risk of longer-term transmission.
Vaccination, Biosecurity, and Movement Rules
Vaccination against BTV-3 is a key strategy in slowing the spread of the virus. Livestock owners are encouraged to follow biosecurity measures to minimize the risk of infection. These measures include maintaining clean and hygienic conditions, monitoring animals for signs of illness, and reporting any suspicious clinical signs to the authorities.
The movement of animals and animal products is regulated to prevent the spread of the virus. General licenses are available for moving animals and germinal products from restricted zones to Scotland or Wales. Additionally, specific rules apply to the movement of certain animals from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.
Livestock identification and movement rules are in place to ensure traceability and control. Keepers of cattle, bison, buffalo, sheep, goats, and deer must adhere to these rules to facilitate effective disease management. The APHA provides guidance and support to livestock owners to ensure compliance with these regulations.
Importing animals and animal products is subject to strict rules to prevent the introduction of bluetongue virus from other regions. These rules are designed to protect the livestock population and maintain the health of the agricultural sector.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has implemented a comprehensive control strategy to manage bluetongue cases. This strategy includes surveillance, vaccination, and biosecurity measures to minimize the impact of the virus on livestock and the agricultural economy.
