Bluetongue (BTV-3) continues to shape livestock movement across Britain in 2026. This is a plain-English summary of where the restricted zones sit and what the rules say for moving animals — always confirm against the official guidance before you move stock, because the situation changes.
The current situation
Per the gov.uk bluetongue latest situation page (last updated 1 June 2026), there have been 343 cases in Great Britain in the 2025–2026 season (since 1 July 2025): 321 in England (308 BTV-3 only, 5 BTV-8 only, 7 with both, 1 unknown serotype), 24 in Wales (all BTV-3) and none in Scotland.
Where the restricted zones are
The whole of England is a bluetongue restricted zone. An all-Wales restricted zone has been in place since 10 November 2025, which allows livestock to move freely between England and Wales without vaccination requirements. Scotland remains outside the zone.
Moving animals to Scotland
The Scottish Government guidance sets seasonal controls: new movement controls came into force on 1 June 2026 and the earliest they can be reduced is 9 September 2026. Key points:
- Susceptible animals generally need a negative PCR test for BTV-3, with the sample taken within 7 calendar days of the movement.
- Pregnant cows in their third trimester need an ELISA test in addition to PCR.
- An EXD645 pro forma must be completed before the move, with evidence of the negative result attached.
- Cattle fully vaccinated with Bultavo-3 may move to Scotland from a restricted zone without a pre-movement test, provided the vaccination protocol is met.
Germinal products
The gov.uk guidance also notes you need a specific licence to freeze germinal products (semen, ova and embryos) anywhere in England, and testing is required.
Planning around restrictions
Movement controls can change stocking decisions at short notice. If you are reworking grazing or housing as a result, our stocking rate calculator helps you check land area against livestock numbers.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Bluetongue: latest situation
- gov.scot — Bluetongue: movement restrictions for animals
- AHDB — Bluetongue virus latest news
Case numbers and movement rules change frequently. Always check the official gov.uk and gov.scot pages before moving animals.