"Be vigilant for signs of bluetongue and report it," is the line Defra is pushing this week - and it lands as calving and lambing ramp up across northern counties. The department’s update on 20 March confirms further cases and sets out the current position. (gov.uk)

As of 20 March 2026, there have been 325 cases since 1 July 2025 across Great Britain: 303 in England (largely BTV‑3, with a small number of BTV‑8 and mixed infections) and 22 in Wales. There are no cases in Scotland. Defra also notes five confirmed BTV‑3 cases in Northern Ireland. (gov.uk)

Northern readers will clock the latest confirmations close to home. Two cows in Cumbria and a calf in Staffordshire were among the positives reported on 20 March, alongside two calves in Hampshire. The case notes include decreased fertility, a blind calf and weak newborns with neurological signs. (gov.uk)

Officials say temperatures remain low, so onward spread by midges in England is rated negligible for now. The bigger risk this month is infection via germinal products such as semen and embryos. The overall risk of incursion from all routes remains at medium, while airborne incursion is negligible. (gov.uk)

For day‑to‑day business, England continues as a single restricted zone. Stock can move within England - to markets, shows or slaughter - without a specific bluetongue licence or pre‑movement testing, provided conditions on the general licence are met. (gov.uk)

There is a different bar for breeding materials. Freezing semen, ova or embryos anywhere in England requires a specific licence and testing, with keepers covering sampling and postage costs. Plan collections with your vet and factor in turnaround times. (gov.uk)

Across the border, Wales has been under an all‑Wales restricted zone since 00:01 on 10 November 2025. Movements between England and Wales no longer need vaccination or extra mitigation, though restrictions on germinal products continue to apply. (gov.wales)

Vaccination is part of the toolkit this spring. Three BTV‑3 vaccines - Bluevac‑3, BULTAVO 3 and Syvazul - now hold marketing authorisations in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. A vet must prescribe them, and in GB keepers must report each use within 48 hours and keep records for five years. (gov.uk)

On clinical signs, APHA guidance highlights drooling, mouth ulcers, swelling of the head and neck, fever, lameness and late‑term losses. Lambs and calves can be infected before birth, with some born small, weak, deformed or blind. If you suspect bluetongue, report it immediately. (gov.uk)

For northern producers who trade with the island of Ireland, DAERA lifted the County Down temporary control zone at 09:00 on 6 March and, with Dublin, agreed derogations so cross‑border movements for breeding and production could resume. Live ruminant moves from Great Britain to Northern Ireland remain suspended. (daera-ni.gov.uk)

What matters on farm this week is straightforward: keep a close eye on newborns, line up conversations with your vet on vaccination and breeding plans, and check licensing before any semen or embryo work. As we move through spring, keep an eye on the official updates and act early on suspect signs.