The 2026–27 bluetongue season (counted from 1 July 2026) is under way, and BTV-3 wasted no time. This is a plain-English summary of where things stand — always confirm against the official guidance before moving stock, because case numbers and rules change frequently.
The cases so far
Per the gov.uk bluetongue latest situation page (as updated 20 July 2026), there have been 12 BTV-3 cases in England and 1 in Wales this season, with none in Scotland or Northern Ireland. The season's first case was a ewe in Staffordshire, confirmed on 10 July. Cases since have clustered in the South West — sheep in Somerset and Devon, including animals that died — alongside a dairy heifer in Somerset, a cow in Devon, two calves born blind in Cheshire, and a heifer in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Transmission conditions are met
The midges that spread bluetongue became active again on 31 March 2026, and gov.uk notes that after the recent warm weather, cumulative temperatures are now high enough for the virus to develop inside the midges — meaning onward transmission is now possible. Clinical signs in the confirmed cases included mouth and nostril ulcers, facial swelling, excess salivation and stiffness when walking. Where suspect signs are reported, DEFRA funds diagnostic testing for up to 3 affected animals.
England and Wales: free movement
The whole of England remains a bluetongue restricted zone, and Wales has had a country-wide zone since 10 November 2025. The practical upside: livestock movements between England and Wales no longer require bluetongue vaccination or mitigation measures.
Moving animals to Scotland
Scotland remains outside the restricted zone, and seasonal controls apply. Any movement of susceptible animals from the restricted zone to Scotland must comply with the general movement licence EXD608(EW). These controls came into force on 1 June 2026 and remain in place until at least 9 September 2026 — see the Scottish Government guidance for the testing and vaccination conditions that apply to your stock.
Planning around restrictions
Disease controls can change marketing and grazing plans at short notice. If restrictions mean holding stock longer than planned, our stocking rate calculator helps you check land area against livestock numbers — particularly relevant in a season where forage is already tight.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Bluetongue: latest situation
- gov.scot — Bluetongue: movement restrictions for animals
- AHDB — Bluetongue virus latest news
Case numbers reflect the gov.uk page as updated 20 July 2026 and will have moved since. Always check the official gov.uk and gov.scot pages before moving animals.