Bluetongue virus: current restrictions

The first case of Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in Wales for the 2026/2027 season (since 1 July 2026) has been confirmed in the Vale of Glamorgan. Further cases of BTV-3 are likely to be detected in Wales over the coming months while midge activity remains high.

Hot summer weather has created favourable conditions for Bluetongue to spread. Higher temperatures allow the virus to develop more quickly in biting midges, increasing the risk of infection in susceptible animals.

Livestock keepers are urged to remain vigilant for signs of disease, report any suspicion of bluetongue or cattle abortions to APHA on 0300 303 8268, and discuss vaccination options with their private veterinarian.

BTV-3 will not result in movement restrictions at animal or farm level.

A bluetongue virus restricted zone was declared across the whole of Wales from 00:01 on Monday 10th November 2025. This means that to move animals within Wales, you:

• do not need a specific licence
• do not need pre-movement tests
• just need to meet the conditions of general licence EXD671(EW) (on gov.uk)) for movements between the bluetongue restricted zone in England and the restricted zone in Wales. 

This applies if you are moving animals to a market, show, slaughterhouse or anywhere else within a bluetongue restricted zone. 

The declaration of the bluetongue restricted zone also imposed a bluetongue Infected Area which applies to the same geographical area as the restricted zone which restricts the movement of animals on and off premises and in or out of the infected area. General licence under the Movement of Animals (Restrictions) (Wales) Order 2003 (as amended) EXD612(W) (GL) is published to overcome legal restrictions that would otherwise prevent movement of animals. This does not remove any obligations to comply with BTV movement restrictions and licences and does not permit the movement of animals out of a restricted zone.

Holdings or animals with a restriction notice

If Bluetongue Serotype 8 (BTV-8) is confirmed in an animal on your holding:

• movement restrictions will be applied to the holding while further investigations and testing are carried out by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
• animals that test negative or are identified as lower risk and do not require testing, will have restrictions lifted
• animals that test positive may be culled, with compensation paid, to reduce the reservoir of infection and decrease the risk of further transmission of the disease
• following investigation, restrictions will apply only to: 
  • any BTV-8 positive animals not culled, and
  • any other livestock identified as requiring restrictions including pregnant animals or breeding bulls based on APHA assessment

Restrictions on BTV-8 positive animals

Once an animal is confirmed as BTV-8 positive:

• the animal will be subject to movement restrictions
• movements off the holding to live will not be permitted unless they are considered to be low risk by APHA
• positive animals must not be used for the collection of germinal products (semen, ova or embryos) until they have received a final negative PCR test result

Movements that are permitted for restricted animals

• movements to slaughter are permitted under specific licence (Apply to move animals out of bluetongue zones on gov.uk) providing animals are fit for transport
• cross-border moves will be permitted within county parish holding (CPH) and temporary land association (TLA) with no requirement for a licence
• emergency movements for veterinary treatment or force majeure reasons may be considered on a case-by-case basis

Lifting of restrictions

• breeding animals (entire males, breeding females and pregnant animals) that test positive for BTV-8 may remain under movement restrictions for longer than 60 days because of the risk of transmission to offspring
• restrictions on breeding animals can only be lifted once specific conditions are met, such as castration, a negative PCR test, veterinary confirmation that an animal is not pregnant, or the birth and negative testing of offspring. Testing and veterinary costs are the keeper’s responsibility
• animals not considered high risk will normally have individual restrictions removed 60 days after disease confirmation

This approach will remain under continuous review and may be updated in line with the evolving disease picture. 

Check the guidance on moving animals from Wales to Scotland (on gov.scot).

There are currently no temporary control zones.

View revoked Bluetongue virus restrictions.