Farmers in Cheshire and Derbyshire are facing another bluetongue bump. Defra’s latest update, published on 27 October, confirms infections recorded on 24 October in Cheshire, Derbyshire and Cornwall, alongside a further Welsh case in Monmouthshire. Across Great Britain, the running total for the 2025–26 vector season stands at 130 since July.

The 24 October picture is specific. A four‑month‑old calf in Cheshire tested positive after suspicious clinical signs. Routine surveillance in Cornwall identified two separate cattle groups, plus a third Cornish holding where seven animals were affected - six with BTV‑3 and one with BTV‑8. Pre‑movement testing flagged a bovine in Derbyshire and a bull in Shropshire, while Welsh surveillance confirmed one bovine in Monmouthshire.

For context, the weeks leading up to this saw further scattered positives: cases linked to suspicious signs in East Sussex, Cornwall and Somerset; and non‑negative pre‑movement tests in Nottinghamshire and Cheshire on 17 October. Earlier in the month, positives were confirmed in Dorset and West Yorkshire, plus additional reports in Derbyshire and Shropshire.

Officials say cooler conditions are helping. With temperatures falling, the risk of onward spread by biting midges is assessed as low in the south‑east, East Anglia, the south‑west and the north‑east. However, there remains a medium risk of fresh incursions into England, and animals can still be infected via already‑infected midges or germinal products.

Movement rules matter for market season. Since 1 July, England has been a single bluetongue restricted zone, meaning animals can move within England without a specific bluetongue licence or pre‑movement test. Freezing semen, ova or embryos still needs a licence and testing, with keepers covering sampling, postage and test costs, according to Defra.

If stock is headed to Wales or Scotland, check the paperwork first. The Welsh general licence covering movements from English sale or collection centres (EXD608(E)) was revised on 15 October and sets clear conditions, including records, vehicle insecticide treatment and, in some scenarios, post‑movement testing at the keeper’s expense.

When the all‑England zone was announced in spring, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer said it would put farmers on “equal footing with rest of England”, while urging keepers to discuss BTV‑3 vaccination with their private vet. That message still holds for Northern herds and flocks weighing up protection this autumn.

Wales has its own added layer: a Temporary Control Zone near Tintern, Monmouthshire, came into force on 1 October. NFU Cymru’s Abi Reader warned “the potential economic and practical implications for farm businesses within the zone are huge,” urging vigilance and swift reporting to APHA.

The national tally remains weighted to England - 122 BTV‑3 cases, plus two BTV‑8 and one mixed result - with five BTV‑3 cases confirmed in Wales and none in Scotland. For Northern readers, Derbyshire has featured repeatedly this month, and West Yorkshire recorded a case on 10 October.

What to do this week? Before loading the wagon, check Defra’s bluetongue case map and the zone map, and confirm the right licence for any cross‑border moves. Speak to your vet about BTV‑3 vaccination where appropriate, keep vehicles treated with insecticide when required, and report any suspicious signs to APHA without delay.