Fresh positives have been confirmed across the North this month as bluetongue BTV‑3 continues to crop up in cattle. Defra’s latest update puts the Great Britain season total at 123 cases for 2025–26 to 18 October. For northern counties, that includes a bull in Cheshire confirmed on 17 October, a cow in West Yorkshire on 10 October, and Derbyshire cases recorded on 9 and 15 October. Nottinghamshire also reported three cattle on 17 October following a pre‑movement test.

Officials say the cool spell is helping. The risk of onward spread by biting midges is currently judged low in the north‑east, though animals can still be infected by already infected midges or through infected germinal products. Overall, the risk of new incursions into England remains at medium.

For routine farm moves, England has operated as a single bluetongue restricted zone since 1 July. Stock can move within England - including to markets, shows and slaughterhouses - without a bluetongue‑specific licence or pre‑movement testing, provided the conditions of the general licence are met and normal movement records are kept.

Movements out of England are different. If animals are going to buyers in Scotland or Wales, keepers must follow those nations’ rules and use the appropriate general licences. Build in time for any required testing and paperwork before booking transport to avoid last‑minute disruption.

Breeding plans need extra attention. Freezing semen or embryos anywhere in England requires either a specific licence or use of a designated premises, plus post‑collection testing - typically PCR at 6 to 28 days or ELISA at 28 to 60 days. Keepers pay the sampling, postage and testing costs, and germinal product should be quarantined until negative results are back.

Vaccination is available and in use. Three BTV‑3 vaccines - Bluevac‑3, Bultavo 3 and SYVAZUL BTV 3 - are authorised for Great Britain. In England they can be used under a general licence with vaccination activity reported. Trade restrictions still apply to vaccinated animals, and pre‑movement testing in bluetongue zones should not be carried out until seven days after vaccination to avoid interference.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. It does not affect people or food safety, but keepers must report any suspicion immediately to APHA on 03000 200 301 in England. If a duty vet cannot rule it out, they will advise on sampling and next steps.

In Wales, a temporary control zone has been in place around Tintern, Monmouthshire since 1 October. Northern producers sending stock into that area should check Welsh Government licences and movement conditions before committing to sales.

For herd and flock managers across the North, the short‑term plan is straightforward: map sales and breeding with your vet, budget for any lab work, and keep paperwork tidy. If you’re trading across borders, check the latest licences first, then book haulage. And if in doubt, call APHA early.