Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
Bluetongue is a notifiable insect-borne viral disease that affects sheep, cattle, other ruminants such as goats, and camelids such as llamas.
It is mostly spread by midges, although it can also be spread by breeding, from mother to offspring. It does not affect people or food safety.
Outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions. The disease itself can be very serious, with high rates of death in infected sheep and fertility problems in infected cattle
Animal keepers should be very vigilant for any signs of notifiable disease and immediately report any suspected cases to APHA.
When importing animals into Scotland, animal keepers should ensure they consider the risks carefully and check the health status of the animals. Animal keepers should also consult their vet on other measures, such as protective vaccination if appropriate.
Current situation
Scotland
The first cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) of the 2026 to 2027 outbreak season were confirmed on 10 July 2026 in England, and Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) has now been detected in Scotland for the first time on 8 August 2026 in a single animal. The Animal and Plant Agency (APHA) are investigating to determine if this is an isolated case or if there is evidence of further circulation in Scotland.
Bluetongue affects cattle, sheep, and goats among other ruminants, is a notifiable disease and if you suspect your animals are affected you must immediately notify your local APHA office. Failure to do so is an offence.
The Scottish Government strongly recommends that keepers speak to their private vet about BTV vaccination to protect their animals from the worst effects of the disease. Refer to the other sections of this webpage and supporting documents for more information on clinical signs.
Movement controls are currently in place for susceptible animals moving from bluetongue Restricted Zones (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man). We expect them to remain until at least 9 September 2026. Different movement controls apply depending on the circumstances. You can read more about movement controls in this guide.
England and Wales
New Bluetongue cases have been detected in England and Wales, for more information on case numbers, visit Gov.UK Bluetongue latest information
Europe
Bluetongue has been reported in several European countries.
See the current outbreak assessments and the map of Restricted Zones in place across Europe for more detail.
The rules mean:
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you cannot currently trade live ruminant animals from Great Britain to the EU
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you cannot currently move live ruminant animals to Northern Ireland
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movements from other parts of the UK to Scotland are subject to conditions
Speak to your vet about the risks of importing stock from countries affected by bluetongue.
Human health implications
The disease does not affect humans.
Contact
If you suspect signs of any notifiable diseases, you must immediately notify your Scotland: field service local office at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Failure to do so is an offence.