“Be vigilant for signs of bluetongue and report it,” Defra urged as the latest update landed. On Tuesday 18 November 2025, officials confirmed six new infections recorded on Monday 17 November across Cornwall, Devon, Herefordshire, the Isle of Wight and Somerset. That takes this season’s total since July to 200 across Great Britain: 187 in England - mainly BTV‑3 - 13 in Wales, and none in Scotland. Surveillance has also picked up BTV‑8 alongside BTV‑3 in cattle on the Isle of Wight.

For Northern herds, the virus has brushed close. APHA’s recent tallies include positives in Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire, while the industry group Ruminant Health & Welfare reported a pre‑movement positive in Cumbria on 3 November. Even so, Defra says the risk of onward spread by midges in the North East is “very low” as temperatures fall, though the risk of the virus entering Great Britain remains “medium”.

Day‑to‑day movements within England are unchanged: with the whole country in a restricted zone, farmers can move stock within England without a bluetongue licence or pre‑movement test, provided their holding isn’t under specific disease controls. Artificial insemination and embryo work are different: freezing semen, ova or embryos anywhere in England needs a specific licence and testing, with sampling and lab costs met by the keeper.

For cross‑border keepers, Wales switched to an all‑Wales restricted zone at 00:01 on Monday 10 November. That means routine livestock moves between England and Wales no longer require vaccination or extra mitigation, although testing rules continue for germinal products. This will be welcome news for border farms that trade regularly either side of Offa’s Dyke.

Heading north into Scotland remains tighter and varies by species and class. Movements from the restricted zone must meet conditions in the Scottish general licence: for example, breeding bulls usually need a pre‑movement test unless fully vaccinated with Bultavo‑3 and outside the 21‑day post‑dose window, while rams do not require testing. Abattoirs no longer need to be designated, and specified sales near the border are allowed under strict licence conditions. Always check the Scottish guidance before booking transport.

Vaccination planning should now be a board‑level job on Northern farms. Defra has permitted three BTV‑3 vaccines for UK use under licence, and AHDB has published comparison tables plus cost calculators for sheep, beef and soon dairy to help weigh the economics. As AHDB’s Mandy Nevel puts it, “Vaccination and restricted movements in affected areas remain our best defence.” Speak to your vet about timing and product choice.

Recent confirmed cases have shown signs including drooling, fever, crusting around the nose, lameness and poor appetite. If you suspect bluetongue, report it immediately via the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301; in Wales call 0300 303 8268. Non‑reporting is an offence, and early action protects neighbours as well as your own herd or flock.

With cooler weather setting in, APHA assesses the chance of local spread by midges in the North East as very low. That does not remove the risk from already‑infected midges or germinal products, and officials still rate overall incursion risk as medium. In short: winter helps, but it isn’t a free pass.

What to do this week if you farm in the North: check Defra’s bluetongue case map before buying or selling; confirm paperwork for any moves to Scotland; and if you use AI or embryos, book sampling and allow time for test results ahead of planned work. If you trade into Wales, note the simpler livestock movements but keep testing rules for semen and embryos in mind. Keepers remain responsible for costs attached to private sampling and postage.