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 natural or artificial breeding, and through the placenta 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 significant fertility and productivity problems in infected cattle.
Animal keepers should be very vigilant for any signs of notifiable disease and immediately report any suspected cases to APHA.
if thinking of bringing animals into Scotland, we call on animal keepers to observer responsible purchasing and ensure they consider the risks carefully, check the health status of the animals and make sure they meet all licence or import conditions.
We strongly recommend all keepers of ruminants consult their private vet on how best to protect themselves, in particular vaccination against bluetongue.
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 sheep. Following investigations by the Animal and Plant Agency (APHA,) BTV-3 has been confirmed on 3 other nearby premises, the total number of premises affected is 4 and number of animals affected is 5. APHA are investigating to determine if these are isolated cases or if there is evidence of further circulation in Scotland. At this moment there are no bluetongue disease control zones in Scotland but the position is being kept under review.
For information on BTV case numbers in Scotland, England and Wales please visit Gov.UK Bluetongue latest information (updated daily).
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.
Vaccination is the best measure 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 and germinal products moving from bluetongue Restricted Zones (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man).We expect these controls to remain in their current form until at least 9 September 2026, after which controls will be slightly relaxed as temperatures gradually drop, decreasing the risk of transmission in Scotland through the midge vector.
Different movement controls apply depending on the circumstances. You can read more about movement controls in this guide.
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.
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.