Defra has confirmed 266 bluetongue cases in Great Britain this season, up to Monday 29 December 2025. England accounts for 245 positives and Wales 21, with no cases in Scotland. December brought new positives in Cumbria and Greater Manchester alongside further detections in Kent, Cornwall, Hampshire, Somerset and Buckinghamshire. England’s breakdown shows 237 BTV‑3 cases, one BTV‑8 and seven premises with both. Farmers can check the official case map when planning stock movements.

“I urge farmers to prepare and remain vigilant for signs of BTV‑3,” NFU president Tom Bradshaw said, a message that lands squarely with northern marts and sheds heading into the new year.

Officials stress the disease does not affect people or food safety. For livestock, the hit can be serious: reduced milk yield, fertility problems and, in severe cases, death. Keepers are urged to monitor herds and flocks closely and make sure holdings are registered so APHA can contact them quickly.

With temperatures falling, the risk from biting midges eases through winter. In Great Britain, midges are mainly active from April to November, and weather - wind, rain and temperature - dictates how far they travel and whether they can transmit the virus.

Across England, a country‑wide restricted zone remains in place. Routine moves within England do not require a bluetongue licence or pre‑movement test so long as the conditions of the general licence are met. APHA can issue specific licences where there is an urgent welfare need.

Wales has been under an all‑Wales restricted zone since 00:01 on Monday 10 November 2025. Premises‑level restrictions were lifted and routine movements between England and Wales no longer require vaccination or mitigation measures, though controls on germinal products continue.

Where movements are planned from England’s restricted zone to Scotland - or out of any restricted zone - keepers must use the relevant general licences. Use the latest version, meet every condition, keep a copy with the load and check stock for signs before loading. Separate licences cover animals and germinal products.

Vaccination remains a key line of defence alongside movement rules. Three BTV‑3 vaccines - Bluevac‑3, Bultavo 3 and SYVAZUL BTV 3 - now carry marketing authorisations in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Movement restrictions still apply to vaccinated animals, and pre‑movement testing should be avoided for seven days after vaccination to prevent interference.

NFU guidance notes today’s BTV‑3 vaccines are suppressive rather than preventative: they can reduce clinical signs and losses but will not stop infection or infectivity. Farmers should plan vaccination with their own vets, based on local risk and calving or lambing schedules.

APHA has received reports of aborted or weak calves in recent months, some later confirmed as BTV‑3. Keepers should watch for fever, lesions around the mouth and nose, swollen muzzles, lethargy, drops in milk yield and abortions - and report any suspicion immediately, as bluetongue is notifiable.

For Northern Ireland trade links, DAERA has confirmed multiple BTV‑3 cases and continues to manage movements in and around a Temporary Control Zone. Export requirements differ while disease‑free status is suspended; check DAERA guidance before buying‑in or sending stock.

Looking to spring 2026, Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer Richard Irvine offered advice that resonates across the region: “Vaccination remains the best way to protect livestock and livelihoods.” Farmers are encouraged to schedule conversations with vets ahead of the next active transmission period.