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Bluetongue movement restrictions for animals and germinal products, and licensing
Species affected
This information is for people who plan to move the following types of animals between any bluetongue Restricted Zone:
ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats and deer)
camelids (llamas and alpacas)
Change to licensing conditions from 3 October 2026
The low transmission period in Scotland for this season began on 10 September 2026 and will end before the summer of 2027.
From 3 October, all of Scotland is a Restricted Zone (RZ) which means there will be no bluetongue controls on the movement of animals between the RZs of Scotland, England and Wales.
Licensing
From 3 October, there is no longer a bluetongue free area in Scotland and there are only minimal bluetongue controls on the movement of animals moving between the RZs of Scotland, England or Wales.
Restrictions on freezing germinal products remain.
Licencing conditions
Moves to live or to slaughter between RZ areas (Scotland/England/Wales)
movements from,to or within any RZ are free moves
animals presenting with clinical signs may not be moved
you do not have to apply for a EXD671(GB), or carry a copy when moving animals, but you do need to adhere to the licence conditions
Movement of germinal product
unfrozen germinal product may be collected and used immediately within a restricted zone, or moved between restricted zones
anyone freezing germinal product in a restricted zone, even if not leaving the zone, must ensure the donors are tested in accordance with the licence
PCR testing - sampling instuctions
Your private vet must follow Improve International guidance when collecting and sending samples. You pay for the testing. Tests are valid for 7 calendar days after sample collection.
Read carefully because failure to do this will delay return of results.
Your private vet will complete a Sample Submission form (NVR-FORM-21).
Timing and capacity
No testing happens at weekends or bank holidays, and there’s limited daily capacity.
The lab needs at least 3 working days from receipt of sample for test processing, and samples are tested in the order they arrive with no priority service.
Please do not phone the lab to request priority or chase results.
Sample requirements
Ensure you add the full animal IDs, for example UK123456789012, date of sampling and species (such as bovine, Ovine etc.). Complete all forms accurately and make sure samples are taken correctly and clearly labelled to avoid delays or extra fees for amending reports or test validity lapsing.
Results and licencing
Test results are emailed to the private vet and to the additional address (keeper) provided on the submission form. Make sure it is correct and able to receive emails.
Payment and planning
Plan your testing so samples are still valid on your planned move date.
Pirbright will send you an invoice following completion of testing.
Make sure your vet completes the submission form as described in the sampling instructions. If they do not, your results will be delayed.
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.
