Bluetongue: latest situation

Contents:

• Total number of cases
• Latest updates
• Risk level
• Control zones
• Moving animals and animal products
• Vaccination and biosecurity
• Livestock identification and movement rules
• Importing animals and animal products
• Webinars, leaflets, videos and posters
• Defra’s bluetongue control strategy

Total number of cases

There have been 50 cases of bluetongue (BTV-3) in England in the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season (since 1 July 2026).

There have been 4 cases of bluetongue (BTV-3) in Wales in the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season (since 1 July 2026).

There have been no cases in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

There have been 54 cases in the UK since 1 July 2026.

Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for up to 3 affected animals.

The location of all premises in Great Britain where one or more animals have tested positive by PCR for bluetongue serotype 3, serotype 8 or serotype 12 is available on the bluetongue case map. Select the relevant map layer for cases confirmed since 1 July 2024.

Latest updates

2026 to 2027 season

28 July 2026

Five new cases of BTV-3 were confirmed in England on 28 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

• 3 sheep in Devon with clinical signs including lethargy, fever, crusting around the nose, weeping eyes, ulcers in mouth and on tongue and inability to stand, tested positive for BTV-3 - approximately 10% of the flock exhibited similar clinical signs (only 3 tested) and 6 ewes and lambs have died
• 1 sheep in Devon with clinical signs including drooling, fever, swollen tongue, ulcerations of the tongue and increased heart and breathing rate, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 sheep in Somerset with clinical signs including lameness on all 4 feet, elevated temperature and redness around the nose, tested positive for BTV-3
• 3 sheep in Devon with clinical signs. One ewe died after short period of lameness, 1 ram with crusty and swollen muzzle and 1 ram with excessive salivation, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 ewe with clinical signs including swollen face, ulcers on lips, lethargy, fever and rapid weight loss

27 July 2026

Two new cases of BTV-3 were confirmed in England on 27 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

• 1 sheep in Devon with clinical signs including lameness, lethargy, crusting around the mouth and a swollen muzzle, tested positive for BTV-3
• 2 cattle and 1 sheep on a mixed farm in Somerset with clinical signs including lethargy, fever, crusting and the mouth and muzzle and redness of the teats in the 2 cattle

24 July 2026

Twenty-one new cases of BTV-3 were confirmed in England on 24 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

• 2 sheep in Derbyshire with swollen muzzles, no other signs observed, tested positive for BTV-3
• 2 bovines in Devon with clinical signs including lethargy, swelling of the coronary band, redness of the udder, crusty teats, drop in milk yield, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 sheep in Devon with fever, facial swelling, lethargy, excess salivation and reluctance to move, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 sheep in Devon with clinical signs including lethargy, swelling around nostrils and raw tongue, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 sheep in Devon with fever, crusty nasal discharge, excess salivation and swelling around the muzzle
• 1 cow in Cornwall with ketosis, milk yield drop, reduced appetite and erosions on nose, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 bovine in Cornwall with fever, slight drooling and facial swelling, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 sheep in Devon with clinical signs including fever, nasal discharge, crusty nose and lameness, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 sheep in Cornwall reported to be dull with swollen lips, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 sheep in Cheshire with clinical signs including fever, lameness, swelling of coronary bands and crusting around nose, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 sheep in Devon with clinical signs including fever, lethargy, lameness and ulcers on lips and tongue, tested positive for BTV-3
• 2 sheep in Devon with clinical signs including sore feet, ulcers in mouth, high temperature, swollen muzzles and drooling, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 sheep in Somerset with blueness of mouth and tongue, erosions on the nose, dental pad and tongue and lameness, tested positive for BTV-3
• 3 cattle in Devon with clinical signs including lameness, crusty muzzles, nasal discharge and reddening of the gums tested positive for BTV-3
• 3 cattle in Somerset with clinical signs including crusty muzzles, tested positive for BTV-3
• 3 sheep in Devon with clinical signs including lethargy, lying on their sides, excess salivation, crusty nose, ulcers on dental pad and ulcers on the cornea, tested positive for BTV-3
• 3 sheep in Somerset with pyrexia, nasal discharge, drooling, swelling around the lips and swelling of coronary bands, tested positive for BTV-3
• 3 sheep in Somerset with clinical signs including floppy ears, swelling around muzzle and lameness, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 cow in Devon with crusty muzzle and increased temperature, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 sheep in Somerset with crusty nostrils, swelling and redness of coronary bands, difficulty breathing and fever, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 ram in Greater Manchester with clinical signs including lethargy, excess salivation and nasal discharge, tested positive for BTV-3

One new case of BTV-3 was confirmed in England on 24 July 2026 following a non-negative private pre-movement test:

• 1 cow in Lancashire tested positive for BTV-3 following a private pre-movement test. No clinical signs were observed

One new case of BTV-3 was confirmed in Wales on 24 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

• 1 cow in Powys, Wales, with clinical signs including weakness, swelling of the eye, fever and nasal discharge, tested positive for BTV-3. The cow was euthanised on welfare grounds

23 July 2026

Two new cases of BTV-3 were confirmed on 23 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

• 1 bovine animal in England with clinical signs including fever, unsteady gait, lethargy, drooling with small ulcer in mouth, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 new case of BTV-3 was confirmed in Wales on 23 July 2026 following a non-negative private pre-movement test

One new case of BTV-3 was confirmed in Wales on 23 July 2026 following a non-negative private pre-movement test:

• 1 calf in Newport, Wales, tested positive for BTV-3 following a private pre-movement test - no clinical signs were observed

22 July 2026

Three new cases of BTV-3 were confirmed in England on 22 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

• 3 ewes in Devon with clinical signs including crusty muzzles, nasal discharge, ulcers on dental pad, lameness and lethargy, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 sheep in Devon with clinical signs including a swollen face, crusting of the nose and yellow discolouration under the tongue, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 sheep in Devon with clinical signs including lethargy, drooling, redness of teats and crusting on ears, tested positive for BTV-3

21 July 2026

Five new cases of BTV-3 were confirmed in England on 16 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

• 2 sheep in Somerset with clinical signs including fever, crusting of the muzzle, nasal discharge, increased respiratory rate, swelling of face and muzzle, inappetence and sore feet, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 cow in Somerset with crusting of the muzzle, fever and irregular gait, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 heifer in Devon with a fever, tested positive for BTV-3
• 3 cattle in Devon with clinical signs of lameness, redness of muzzle, ulcers in the mouth and lethargy, tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 sheep in Somerset with clinical signs including lethargy, facial swelling, nasal discharge and fever, tested positive for BTV-3. Another ewe with similar clinical signs died 3 days earlier

21 July 2026

One new case of BTV-3 was confirmed in Wales on 21 July 2026 following a non-negative private test:

• 1 cow in Powys, Wales, tested positive for BTV-3 following a private test associated with embryo transfer

20 July 2026

Two new cases of BTV-3 were confirmed in England on 20 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

• 1 sheep in Devon with clinical signs of excessive salivation, ulceration of the dental pad, lameness and loss of body condition, tested positive for BTV?3
• 2 sheep in Somerset with clinical signs including nasal discharge, dullness, nasal discharge, panting, scouring and poor body condition, tested positive for BTV?3. Both sheep died

17 July 2026

Two new cases of BTV-3 were confirmed in England on 17 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

• 2 sheep in Somerset with clinical signs of fever, lip lesions, excessive salivation inappetence and lameness, tested positive for BTV?3
• 9 sheep in Somerset with clinical signs including nasal discharge, drooling, swelling around the mouth, lameness and 2 sudden deaths, tested positive for BTV?3

17 July 2026

One new case of BTV-3 was confirmed in Wales on 17 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

• 1 heifer in the Vale of Glamorgan sampled following 6 abortions within a month in a group of 15 heifers, tested positive for BTV-3

16 July 2026

Five new cases of BTV-3 were confirmed in England on 16 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

• 1 dairy heifer in Somerset with crusting of the muzzle, ulcers in the mouth and nostril, and stiffness when walking, tested positive for BTV?3
• 1 lamb in Devon with excess salivation, a swollen face and high temperature, tested positive for BTV?3
• 3 sheep in Devon, including 1 ram, with clinical signs of lameness, facial swelling, drooling, redness and fever temperature, tested positive for BTV?3. One animal died, and in addition to the 3 positive animals a further 2 are showing similar clinical signs.
• 3 sheep in Devon with clinical signs including facial swelling, drooling and fever, tested positive for BTV?3. Two of the sheep were scouring
• 3 sheep in Somerset with clinical signs including rapid loss of body condition, fever and lesions around the muzzle or in the mouth, tested positive for BTV?3. One of the animals has died

14 July 2026

Two new cases of BTV-3 were confirmed in England on 14 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

• 2 calves in Cheshire born blind, unable to stand properly and with other neurological signs tested positive for BTV-3
• 1 cow in Devon with crusting of muzzle, reddened and swollen eyes and reddening of teats tested positive for BTV-3

10 July 2026

One new case of BTV-3 was confirmed in England on 10 July 2026 following reports of suspicious clinical signs:

• 1 ewe Staffordshire presented with head swelling, drooling, crusty nostrils and lameness on all 4 feet

Given the clinical signs and laboratory results this case represents the first confirmed case of infection this summer.

2025 to 2026 season

See historical cases for earlier cases.

Risk level

The midges that spread bluetongue became active again on 31 March 2026. Following the recent warm weather, experts advise that cumulative temperatures are now high enough for the virus to develop inside the midges, and onward transmission is now possible. Animals can also get infected through germinal products (semen, ova or embryos).

Temperatures are also now high enough in many areas of nearby continental Europe for the virus to have developed inside midges. This means that we would expect any midges in these areas which were newly infected in the last few months to have the potential to have completed their extrinsic incubation period (EIP) and become infectious. The risk of transmission from midges blown across the channel has increased.

The risk of incursion of bluetongue virus (including serotypes not currently circulating in England) from all routes remains at medium (occurs regularly) although the risk of airborne incursion is negligible.

Control zones

Check if you’re in a zone on the bluetongue zone map.

Read the details of each zone.

England: country-wide restricted zone

The whole of England is in a bluetongue restricted zone. You can move animals within England without a specific bluetongue licence or pre-movement testing.

You need a specific licence to freeze germinal products (semen, ova and embryo) anywhere in England and testing is required. Keepers are responsible for the cost of sampling, postage and testing. There is more detail in the declaration.

Wales: country-wide restricted zone

An all-Wales restricted zone was introduced from 00:01am on 10 November 2025. This has the following effects:

• free movement of livestock – livestock movements between England and Wales no longer require bluetongue vaccination or mitigation measures
• continued restrictions on germinal products – you must continue to test donor animals before freezing and marketing germinal products, as this provides quality assurance and reduces the risk of longer-term bluetongue transmission.

Moving live animals from a Restricted Zone (RZ) to Scotland (including shows/markets/gatherings, even if temporary)

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man all have bluetongue virus BTV RZs, and any movement of bluetongue susceptible animals from a BTV RZ to Scotland must comply with the conditions set out in the general movement licence EXD608(EW). These controls came into force on 1 June 2026 and will remain in force until at least 9 September 2026. Further details of movements to and from Scotland can be found on Gov.Scot.

Moving animals and animal products

Find out about:

• moving animals within the restricted zone
• general licences to move animals and germinal product from the restricted zone to Scotland or Wales
• moving, freezing and storing germinal product
• moving certain animals from Northern Ireland to Great Britain

Vaccination and biosecurity

Find out about:

• BTV-3 vaccination
• how to slow the spread of bluetongue

Livestock identification and movement rules

Find out about:

• keeping cattle, bison and buffalo in England and Wales
• keeping sheep and goats in England
• keeping deer in England: tagging, movement and record keeping rules

Contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)?if you keep camelids (such as llamas or alpacas) or you’re unsure about the rules.

Importing animals and animal products

Check the rules on imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products.

Webinars, leaflets, videos and posters

Watch recordings of bluetongue webinars.

Find leaflets, videos and posters about bluetongue.

Defra’s bluetongue control strategy

Defra?controls cases of bluetongue by following the Bluetongue: disease control framework in England.

Historical cases

The first cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) of the 2026 to 2027 outbreak season was confirmed on 10 July 2026.

2025 to 2026 outbreak season (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026)

There were 348 cases of bluetongue in Great Britain in the 2025 to 2026 bluetongue season. In:

• England, there were 324 cases of bluetongue – including 311 cases of only BTV-3, 5 cases of only BTV-8, 7 cases with both BTV-3 and BTV-8 and 1 case of BTV (serotype unknown)
• Wales, there have been 24 cases of BTV-3
• There were no cases in Scotland

These cases were confirmed between 11 July 2025 and 23 June 2026.

There were 5 confirmed cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland.

2024 to 2025 outbreak season (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025)

Defra confirmed 160 BTV-3 cases in England and 2 from high risk moves in Wales. One case of bluetongue virus serotype 12 (BTV-12) was confirmed in England on 7 February 2025 Giving a total of 163 cases.

These cases were confirmed between 26 August 2024 and 31 May 2025.

2023 to 2024 outbreak season (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025)

Between 10 November 2023 and 3 March 2024 Defra confirmed 126 BTV-3 cases in England on 73 premises (119 cattle and 7 sheep). These BTV-3 cases were the first UK BTV incursions for over 15 years. 

Prior to these cases the last confirmed outbreak of bluetongue was an outbreak of bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8), which took place over 2007 to 2008.