Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
Latest situation
A Restricted Zone (RZ) is in place across the whole of Scotland. Find out what you need to do if you're affected.
All susceptible livestock movements from any RZ area (Scotland/England/Wales) have the same rules. You can read more in this news release.
Bluetongue (BTV-3) cases in Scotland
Species |
BTV-3 animals confirmed |
|---|---|
|
Sheep (including ewes, rams and lambs) |
22 |
|
Cattle (including cows, heifers and calves) |
101 |
There are 50 confirmed affected holdings in Scotland. They are:
| Near to (approximate): | Number of affected holdings |
|---|---|
| Dumfries |
7 |
| Newton Stewart | 6 |
| Castle Douglas |
6 |
| Kirkcudbright | 4 |
| Lockerbie |
5 |
| Dalbeattie | 3 |
| Twynholm | 2 |
| Aberdeenshire (south) | 1 |
| Annan | 2 |
|
Balmaclellan |
1 |
| Brechin | 1 |
| Cannonbie | 1 |
| Carluke | 1 |
| Ellon | 1 |
| Gatehouse of Fleet | 1 |
| Gretna | 2 |
| Stranraer | 2 |
| Alford | 1 |
| Hawick | 1 |
|
Huntly |
1 |
|
Girvan |
1 |
Infected farms are placed initially under restrictions but the extent and duration of these are determined locally on a risk basis by APHA so keepers should discuss with APHA.
Infected animals are generally required to remain on farm, for a minimum of 60 days, but the expectation is that the majority of healthy, not infected animals in these farms can be traded as normal in the zone, and under licence out of the zone. Any animals with clinical signs must not be moved.
The bluetongue case map shows the location of premises where one or more animals have tested positive by PCR for bluetongue.
For information on BTV case numbers see Gov.uk Bluetongue latest information.
BTV-3 control strategy changes
From 3 October 2026:
- the Restricted Zone (RZ) in south west Scotland was expanded to all of Scotland
- movement restrictions from the RZs in England and Wales are now the same as those from the RZ in Scotland
- all movement of animals, within, or to any other RZ, to live, or to slaughter use the general licence - EXD671 (GB) - General licence to move animals out of a bluetongue restricted zone to a destination in another bluetongue restricted zone. You do not have to apply for or carry a copy of this licence, but you need to adhere to the licence conditions
- there are no bluetongue controls on the movement of animals moving between RZs of Scotland, England and Wales
- all animals do not require vaccination or a PCR test to leave an RZ
- it is recommended that all animals are vaccinated to protect from the worst effects of bluetongue
- it is recommended that animals involved in breeding are tested for bluetongue prior to involvement in breeding activity
- movements from Northern Ireland require a DAERA export health certificate which includes specific bluetongue attestations that mirror controls from other RZ areas in the UK – movement to Northern Ireland is not permitted
What to report and current rules
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. It affects cattle, sheep, and goats among other ruminants. If you suspect your animals are affected you must immediately notify APHA. Failure to do so is an offence.
Vaccination is the best measure to protect animals from the worst effects of the disease. Refer to the other sections of this guide and supporting documents for more information on clinical signs.
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:
- you cannot currently trade live ruminant animals from Great Britain to the EU
- you cannot currently move live ruminant animals to Northern Ireland
- 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.
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.