Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
Overview
Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease
Bluetongue is a notifiable insect-borne viral disease that affects sheep, cattle, other ruminants such as goats, and camelids such as llamas. It cannot be spread directly between animals and relies on the midge as a vector for transmission.
It does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions.
Animal keepers should be very vigilant for any signs of notifiable disease and report any suspected cases to APHA immediately. 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
CVO Scotland has permitted the use of three BTV-3 vaccines in Scotland from 30 April 2025. Two of these vaccines have been granted a marketing authorisation by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), and the third is unauthorised. You can only use these vaccines if your use is compliant the declaration. More information is available in the declaration.
Watch a Bluetongue webinar on youtube. This covers clinical signs, the situation in Great Britain, Scotland's perspective and cross-border movements.
Bluetongue virus (BTV) was confirmed in a non-imported animal in England in December 2023, and there have been further confirmed BTV-3 cases in England from August 2024. Great Britain is no longer considered a BTV-free country.
As a result of this, trade in live ruminant animals from Great Britain to the EU and movements to Northern Ireland are currently suspended. See: the latest bluetongue situation in England and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Interactive Bluetongue Virus map for animal disease control zones currently in place.
Bluetongue has been reported in a number of European countries. See the current outbreak assessments and the map of restriction zones in place across Europe for more detail.
You should discuss the risks of importing stock from BTV affected countries with your vet.
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.