Current situation
Seasonally vector low period
The UK is in a seasonally vector low period. This means the risk of transmission of bluetongue is now very low.
APHA no longer require:
- post-movement testing for animals moved out of the zone - provided they have a valid negative pre-movement test result
- vector control including the use of insecticide
- animals originating from the restricted zone to be slaughtered at a designated slaughterhouse
You 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
Keep up to date with the latest situation:
Bluetongue: news, information and guidance for livestock keepers - GOV.UK
Details about the measures in the current restricted zone can be found in the declaration:
Bluetongue: extended restricted zone and infected area (BTD 2024/92, BTD 2024/112 and BTD 2024/138) - GOV.UK
Check if a premise is within a zone on the interactive map:
APHA Interactive Bluetongue Virus Map (arcgis.com)
Details about how to spot and report the disease:
Bluetongue: how to spot and report it - GOV.UK
Register for upcoming information webinars and view past webinars:
Upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars - GOV.UK
Information on free testing within the zones:
Bluetongue: get free testing for your animals if you are in a bluetongue zone - GOV.UK
Details about vaccination:
Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccination - GOV.UK
Further industry information and Q&As:
Bluetongue virus latest news | AHDB
Bluetongue – the latest info and updates from the NFU – NFUonline