Wales to become a Bluetongue Restricted Zone from November 10
Wales will become a Bluetongue Restricted Zone from November 10, Welsh Government has announced.
The move will replace the existing Temporary Control Zone with a single national approach. The decision, which takes into account dropping temperatures and reduced midge activity, is designed to simplify disease control measures and support ongoing surveillance and vaccination efforts.
NFU Cymru has welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement. President Aled Jones said: “The move to a whole country RZ is something NFU Cymru has been calling for and at the roundtable we expressed our strong support for this way forward. With temperatures dropping it is right to move to this approach, all along we have said the risks of the disease must be balanced against the economic and practical costs of the controls.
“With further cases of BTV-3 confirmed in Wales we urge all livestock keepers to remain vigilant and to report any suspicion of disease to APHA immediately on 0300 3038268. We believe that vaccination represents the best way of protecting our flocks and herds in Wales and we continue to recommend that farmers discuss the potential benefits with their private vet to decide if it is right for them.”
The Welsh Government says its Bluetongue control policy, supported by regular evidence-based updates, has delayed Bluetongue incursion from the all-England Restricted Zone until the time of year when the impact and spread of the disease is limited. It has also provided farmers with essential time to vaccinate their livestock and prepare for the emergence of the disease in Wales.
Animal keepers continue to be encouraged to speak to their vets about BTV-3 vaccination to protect livestock and livelihoods.
To date, eleven cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in Wales, four in Powys and seven in the Temporary Control Zone located in Monmouthshire. The Welsh Government says it is likely that the number of Bluetongue cases will increase as surveillance continues.
The restricted zone relates to BTV-3 only. Controls may need to be introduced for positive cases of new Bluetongue serotypes, should these emerge in the future.
Subscribe for free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV Wales, sent direct to your inbox every Saturday morning.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “The success of our policy to date is attributable to the hard work of delivery partners including the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and The Pirbright Institute, as well as the co-operation and goodwill of the livestock sector.
“I appreciate the restrictions on livestock movements and the introduction of the Temporary Control Zone (TCZ), have been disruptive for livestock keepers and wider industry. I have met with the livestock and veterinary sectors regularly, in roundtable meetings, and listened to feedback on the challenges posed by both the restrictions on livestock movements between England and Wales and the potential animal health and welfare impacts of Bluetongue.
“Following those discussions, and in line with my commitment to review our position based on new and emerging evidence, I have considered our approach to Bluetongue policy in Wales for the remainder of 2025 and beyond.
“Given that Bluetongue has reached Wales, and historic temperature data and modelling work indicates it is very unlikely for midge-borne transmission of Bluetongue virus to occur after 10 November in Wales, the declaration of an all-Wales Restricted Zone will commence on that date.”
Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, Richard Irvine, urges animal keepers to source stock responsibly, remain vigilant for the signs of Bluetongue, and to report any suspect cases to the APHA immediately.
He added: “Vaccination remains the best way to protect livestock and livelihoods from the worst impacts of Bluetongue, which can include both illness of affected livestock and longer-term effects on fertility and productivity. It is more important than ever to be prepared. With the full support of industry, I strongly encourage animal keepers to discuss the role and timing of Bluetongue vaccination of their herds and flocks with their vets, particularly before the next active transmission period for the disease, in spring 2026.”