Defra’s 11 November update confirms 172 bluetongue cases across Great Britain since July 2025, as cooler weather begins to suppress midge activity. Wales introduced a country‑wide restricted zone at 00:01 on 10 November to simplify controls while maintaining vigilance.

England accounts for 159 cases, mostly the BTV‑3 strain, alongside one BTV‑8 case and five with both BTV‑3 and BTV‑8. Wales has logged 13 BTV‑3 cases, and there have been no cases in Scotland to date. Defra continues to publish a live map of PCR‑confirmed premises.

The 10 November log highlights how cases are being picked up: a report linked to poor fertility on the Isle of Wight, private testing in Cheshire, a positive associated with the collection of germinal products, a non‑negative pre‑movement test, and routine surveillance yielding clusters in West Sussex, Hampshire and Devon. Earlier this month, co‑detections of BTV‑3 and BTV‑8 were recorded in Cornwall.

Defra now assesses the risk of onward spread by biting midges as very low in south‑east England, East Anglia, the south‑west and the north‑east, while the overall risk of new incursions remains medium and the airborne route is low. Bluetongue virus typically needs sustained average temperatures above roughly 12–15°C to replicate within midges, which helps explain the seasonal easing.

Climate and weather still shape planning. Long‑term research from The Pirbright Institute shows the UK midge season has lengthened at some sites, adding around 40 days of activity in Lancashire over four decades as warmer, wetter conditions persisted. Europe‑wide field data also show strong latitudinal patterns in Culicoides abundance and season length, meaning winter reduces-but does not eliminate-risk.

Vaccination is the most reliable tool to protect herds and flocks ahead of the next active season. Three BTV‑3 vaccines-Bluevac‑3, Bultavo 3 and SYVAZUL BTV 3-are authorised for use in Great Britain under national rules. In England, use sits under a general licence and keepers must report vaccination within 48 hours; vets should follow the Chief Veterinary Officers’ advisory notes. Speak to your private vet about timing and coverage.

Movement rules are now simpler within restricted zones. All of England is a bluetongue restricted zone, so animals can move within England without pre‑movement testing. From 10 November, Wales also operates a country‑wide restricted zone, removing bluetongue vaccination or mitigations for movements between England and Wales, while testing continues for germinal products before freezing and marketing.

Biosecurity still counts through winter. Defra advises responsible sourcing, careful observation for signs, and practical midge management such as housing stock at dusk and improving insect‑proofing in buildings. Insecticides may help reduce biting rates around housing and transport but should sit alongside, not replace, other measures.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Farmers and vets should report any suspicion to the Animal and Plant Health Agency and avoid moving suspect animals. The virus affects ruminants and can reduce production and fertility, but it does not affect human health or food safety.

Through the colder months, midge‑borne transmission risk remains low, though previously infected midges and germinal products can still seed infection, so testing and records matter. Planning vaccination and breeding decisions now, ahead of spring 2026 when midge activity rises again, will help protect stock and keep trade moving. Welsh officials have signalled the same focus on readiness.