Great Britain has recorded 200 bluetongue cases in the 2025 season (since July), with six new detections confirmed on 17 November across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Herefordshire and the Isle of Wight. BTV‑3 overwhelmingly dominates; isolated BTV‑8 positives were also confirmed on the Isle of Wight. Wales has 13 BTV‑3 cases; Scotland has none. With temperatures easing, officials rate the risk of onward spread by midges as very low, though the risk of further incursion remains medium.

November began unusually mild. The Met Office reported dozens of new high daily minimum temperature records-warm nights that can keep biting midges active for longer. Culicoides midges can survive around 12°C and the virus replicates more readily at higher temperatures, extending the seasonal window for transmission.

Bluetongue is spread by midges rather than direct animal contact. It does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks bring movement restrictions and costs for farms. Reporting suspected signs-fever, drooling, lameness or nasal crusting-remains essential for rapid control.

Defra’s live ArcGIS case map shows confirmed premises across the South West, the South East and pockets of the Midlands, giving farm teams and councils a clear view of proximity risk. Use it alongside the zone map, which sets movement rules that update as the situation changes.

Rules now reflect seasonal risk. All of England remains in a bluetongue restricted zone, allowing within‑England movements without a specific bluetongue licence. Wales moved to an all‑Wales restricted zone at 00:01 on 10 November, ending its temporary control zone and premises‑level restrictions while keeping testing requirements for germinal products.

Vaccination is a practical step this winter. Three BTV‑3 vaccines-Bluevac‑3, Bultavo 3 and SYVAZUL BTV 3-now hold marketing authorisations in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Vets are asked to record use and monitor any adverse events; keepers should discuss availability and timing relative to movements.

Farm‑level prevention still reduces bite pressure. Housing or yarding at peak midge hours, improving building insect proofing, applying approved repellents on animals and surfaces, and tidying standing water around yards can all help. European food safety guidance notes insecticides should support, not replace, wider measures.

Good records speed up tracing. Report suspicions promptly to APHA, log vaccinations where required and keep movement paperwork tight. Donor animals for semen, ova or embryos must continue to be tested before freezing and marketing to reduce longer‑term transmission risk.

The short‑term outlook is calmer as temperatures fall, suppressing midge activity and lowering the chance of local spread. Infection can still appear from previously infected midges or germinal products, so low‑cost steps-maintained fly screens, repellent top‑ups and vet‑agreed vaccination plans-remain worthwhile.

Europe’s recent experience points to the climate signal. The Netherlands’ 2023 BTV‑3 surge unfolded during an unusually warm autumn-around 2–3°C above the 30‑year average-conditions researchers say favoured transmission. As the UK sees more frequent mild spells, early‑season vaccination and rapid reporting offer the most resilient path for herds and flocks.