Bluetongue Virus: Disease Control

Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for livestock keepers who are dealing with the impacts of this disease.

Defra, working closely with APHA, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), The Pirbright Institute and industry partners, has taken a range of actions to support the sector.

This includes, ensuring farmers receive timely information and practical guidance, implementing and maintaining control measures based on the latest scientific and veterinary advice, and increasing testing capacity. Information has been shared through regular disease alerts, social media updates, weekly communications to livestock keepers and a programme of industry webinars. The Battle Bluetongue campaign, running with industry partners since early 2025, continues to urge farmers to work with their private vet to vaccinate their animals.

With vaccination, the only viable long-term control measure, Defra is also working closely with the VMD and other partners to monitor vaccine availability and support continuity of supply. Including by working with vaccine companies to make available additional stocks to farmers over the autumn.

England and Wales have both been BTV restricted zones since November 2025. This supports farmers by allowing free movement of animals within the zones, including to market where they are not showing clinical signs of disease.

This Government also works closely with industry, veterinary professionals and farming welfare organisations to ensure that affected farmers have access to the latest welfare support. Details can be found on Wellbeing support for farmers and through the Rural Payments Agency helpline on (03000 200 301).