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Free bluetongue tests now available in high-risk counties
The most recent case of BTV-3 in England was confirmed in March 2024.
Livestock keepers can apply for testing before moving or selling animals.

Free bluetongue testing has been made available to livestock keepers in areas of England where there is considered to be a high risk of the virus being introduced.

The tests are free for livestock being moved from high-risk counties to live in other parts of Great Britain and for animals being sold at a market in a high-risk county where there will be buyers from outside the high-risk counties.

The high-risk countries, all along the east coast of England, are Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex.

Between November 2023 and March 2024, there were 126 confirmed cases of BTV-3 in England. Although there are have been no confirmed cases of the virus since 8 March 2024, there is considered to be a very high chance that bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) will be reintroduced to livestock in Great Britain this year by windborne midges from northern Europe.

There is ongoing surveillance of both midges and susceptible animals. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is also currently engaging with vaccine manufacturers about the development of a safe and effective vaccine for BTV-3.

Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, but the disease can impact livestock farms, and cause productivity issues.

“We know that the likelihood of bluetongue virus entering Great Britain is increasing and so I would urge farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

“If you intend to move animals to live out of high-risk counties please take advantage of this free testing as it will help stop the movement of undetected disease.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and any suspicion of it in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.

Details about how to apply for free testing can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.