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 mostly relies on the midge as a vector for transmission between animals, although breeding activities and in particular from mother to offspring are also important pathways.
It does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions. The disease itself can be very serious, for instance, with typically high rates of mortality in infected sheep and high rates of fertility problems in infected cattle
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
Great Britain as a whole is no longer a bluetongue-free country, although the disease has not reached Scotland, as demonstrated by surveillance testing conducted by the Animal and Plant Agency (APHA).
Seasonal relaxations of movement controls implemented on 21 September 2025 will end on 1 June 2026. Read further details on restrictions from this date.
Currently, animals that can catch bluetongue that are moving from a Restricted Zone to Scotland will need to follow the same movement rules. To move animals from a BTV Restricted Zone you need one general licence. Animals and germinal products from Northern Ireland will need to meet similar conditions before coming to Scotland.
Breeding and pregnant animals of certain species still have restrictions because of ongoing risks.
Check the APHA interactive bluetongue virus map to see animal disease control zones currently in place in Great Britain.
Bluetongue has been reported in a number of 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.