Defra speeds up bluetongue diagnosis as outbreak tops 1,000

Private vets in England will be able to diagnose clear-cut bluetongue cases without waiting for laboratory results as the UK outbreak passes 1,000 affected premises.

The new approach, introduced by Defra on Friday (11 September), is intended to give farmers faster answers as BTV-3 continues to spread, with 916 confirmed premises now recorded in England alone.

Across the UK, there have been 111 cases in Wales and 21 in Scotland, while Northern Ireland remains at zero. A case is counted as a premises where at least one bluetongue-positive animal has been confirmed.

There have been no confirmed cases of bluetongue serotype 8 during the 2026/27 season.

Under the new system, private vets in England will be able to diagnose bluetongue after examining affected animals where clinical signs are clear, with cases then formally confirmed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Previously, suspected cases generally had to wait for laboratory testing before confirmation.

Defra says the change should reduce delays in straightforward cases and allow livestock keepers to act more quickly.

A new online reporting system has also been introduced so vets can notify APHA directly and speed up confirmation.

The government stressed that the change does not represent a weakening of disease controls.

Where a vet cannot rule out another notifiable disease, including foot and mouth disease, the usual reporting and laboratory testing arrangements will remain in place.

Defra will also continue to fund diagnostic testing for up to three affected animals where suspicious clinical signs are reported.

Deputy UK Chief Veterinary Officer Ele Brown said: “Bluetongue is widely circulating in England and our approach needs to keep pace.”

She said private vets were well placed to recognise signs of the disease and that the new system should help farmers receive a diagnosis more quickly.

Ms Brown also renewed calls for livestock keepers to consider vaccination.

“Vaccination is the best tool available to help protect susceptible livestock, so I absolutely continue to urge farmers to speak to their vet about vaccinating their herd or flock.”

She added: “It takes time for immunity in vaccinated animals to build and it is best to have this conversation now.”

APHA has also published a new heat map following calls from farmers for more localised information.

The map shows where suspected and confirmed bluetongue cases are being reported, helping livestock keepers build a clearer picture of disease activity in their area.

The government says the tool should help farmers make more informed decisions around vaccination and disease risk.

Farmers in England can also apply for government-funded veterinary visits through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.

These visits can include advice on BTV-3 risks and prevention, checks for clinical signs and wider animal health and welfare guidance.

Defra says applications take less than two minutes online, with funding covering veterinary time and advice on farm.

Livestock keepers are being urged to continue checking animals regularly and report any suspicion of bluetongue immediately.

Farmers should also make sure their livestock holdings and contact details are correctly registered with APHA.

Bluetongue remains a notifiable disease, meaning suspected cases must be reported by law.

Suspected cases can be reported on 03000 200 301 in England and 03003 038 268 in Wales, while keepers in Scotland should contact their local APHA Field Services Office.