“Be vigilant for signs of bluetongue and report it,” Defra reminded on Thursday as officials confirmed a new BTV-3 case in Cheshire. The 2025 season total now stands at 270 across Great Britain since July: 249 in England and 21 in Wales, with no cases in Scotland and four confirmed in Northern Ireland. The update was published on 8 January. ([gov.uk](Link

The latest northern case, confirmed on 7 January, involved one cow in Cheshire which had aborted, alongside one aborted calf from a different cow. Earlier in the week, cases were logged in Devon and Cornwall, following December confirmations that included a newborn calf with neurological signs in Cumbria and a bovine with fever and a swollen muzzle in Greater Manchester. ([gov.uk](Link

With temperatures down, government vets say onward spread by biting midges is now negligible in the north-east, south-west, south-east and East Anglia. Even so, infection can still occur via already infected midges or through germinal products, and the overall risk of bluetongue incursion remains at medium, with airborne incursion assessed as negligible. ([gov.uk](Link

Movement rules remain simplified but not relaxed on hygiene. All of England stays in a bluetongue restricted zone, allowing movements within England without specific bluetongue licences or pre-movement testing. Wales has been under an all‑Wales restricted zone since 10 November, ending the temporary control zone and easing movements between England and Wales; restrictions on germinal products continue. ([gov.uk](Link

For cross‑border moves and sales, keepers must use the right paperwork. General licences exist for moves from the English restricted zone to Scotland or into other restricted zones. Use the latest licence version, keep a copy with consignments and check animals for signs before loading. ([gov.uk](Link

Vaccination is available and advised. Three authorised BTV‑3 vaccines - Bluevac‑3, Bultavo 3 and SYVAZUL BTV 3 - can be used in Great Britain in line with licence conditions. Record vaccinations with your vet; trade restrictions still apply to vaccinated animals, and pre‑movement testing should not be carried out until seven days after vaccination. ([gov.uk](Link

Producers across Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire and the Pennine edge are being urged to watch for typical signs reported this winter: abortions, sudden milk drop, drooling, diarrhoea, fever, swollen head or muzzle, lameness and, in calves, neurological signs. Report suspicions to APHA without delay and isolate affected animals while your vet investigates. ([gov.uk](Link

Northern Ireland remains a live concern for cross‑channel trade planning. DAERA has confirmed BTV‑3 on multiple holdings and, as of 8 January, announced financial support for pre‑movement testing in the Temporary Control Zone. Farmers should check DAERA guidance before arranging movements to or from County Down. ([daera-ni.gov.uk](Link

Planning ahead for spring matters. Midges are mainly active from April to November, so talk now with your vet about vaccination schedules, keep housing secure at dawn and dusk, maintain yard hygiene and prevent dogs or cats from accessing aborted material. These steps reduce risk while herds are inside. ([gov.uk](Link

To stay on top of local risk, check Defra’s case map and zone map weekly and keep holding details current with APHA. Anyone freezing semen, ova or embryos must have the right licence and testing in place; keepers are responsible for sampling and lab costs. ([gov.uk](Link