Farmers in Cheshire were back on alert after Defra confirmed two bovines with clinical signs tested positive for bluetongue serotype 3 on Thursday 22 January. That update takes the 2025 season to 277 cases across Great Britain, with 256 in England and 21 in Wales; Scotland remains free. Northern Ireland has four confirmed BTV‑3 cases, according to DAERA. (gov.uk)

Most English positives are BTV‑3 only (248), alongside one BTV‑8 and seven mixed BTV‑3/BTV‑8 results. Defra’s case map lists every affected premises so keepers can check local proximity before planning sales or breeding work. (gov.uk)

The North has not been spared. APHA recorded a newborn calf with neurological signs in Cumbria and a clinically affected animal in Greater Manchester on 19 December. Derbyshire and Staffordshire have seen abortions linked to BTV‑3 this month, while Lancashire reported a private‑test positive on 19 January. (gov.uk)

“Discuss the use of BTV‑3 vaccines with your vet… and report suspect disease,” said UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss, stressing that vigilance and vaccination planning should run together through winter. (gov.uk)

England remains in a country‑wide restricted zone, meaning animals can move within England without a bluetongue licence or pre‑movement tests. Wales introduced an all‑Wales restricted zone at 00:01 on 10 November 2025, ending the temporary control zone and allowing free movement between England and Wales, though germinal product controls remain. (gov.uk)

For pedigree breeders and AI centres, freezing semen, ova or embryos anywhere in England requires a specific licence and testing, with the keeper covering sampling and postage. Wales continues to require donor testing before freezing and marketing germinal products to reduce longer‑term transmission risk. (gov.uk)

Vaccination is voluntary but regulated. In England, BTV‑3 vaccine use sits under a general licence and must be reported within 48 hours. Defra’s early guidance noted these vaccines reduce clinical signs rather than prevent infection, so on‑farm biosecurity and stock sourcing still matter. (gov.uk)

AHDB’s Battle Bluetongue campaign has released simple cost calculators to help beef and sheep producers weigh up vaccine spend. “There is no treatment… vaccination remains our best defence,” said AHDB’s Mandy Nevel. (ahdb.org.uk)

With temperatures down, Defra assesses the risk of onward spread by biting midges in the south‑east, East Anglia, the south‑west and the north‑east as negligible. Even so, infection can still occur via previously infected midges or germinal products, and the overall risk of incursion from all routes remains medium. (gov.uk)

North‑facing marts and family farms should watch for the signs APHA lists: ulcers around the muzzle, drooling, a swollen head, fever, milk drop and lameness, plus fertility losses and abortions. Suspected cases in England must be reported to APHA on 03000 200 301. (gov.uk)

Cross‑border sales continue under general licences. Animals can move within England without testing, and movements into Wales no longer require vaccination beyond the separate germinal product rules. Exporters should check current Welsh and Scottish conditions before booking haulage. (gov.uk)

For local context, December’s Cumbrian case involved a newborn calf with neurological signs; Derbyshire’s mid‑January case was an aborted calf; and Cheshire has now added another event this month. The pattern underlines the fertility and youngstock hit many Northern keepers fear. Defra’s online map remains the best way to track nearby positives. (gov.uk)