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BVA urges farmers to be vigilant over bluetongue
“Vets are there to support farmers in protecting the health and welfare of their livestock” – Anna Judson.
Four more cases have recently been confirmed.

Following the detection of four more cases of the bluetongue virus in cattle in Kent, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged farmers to be vigilant and speak to a veterinary surgeon if they have any concerns.

BVA president Anna Judson said: “This is now a critical moment and BVA urges UK farmers, particularly those in the Southeast of England, to remain vigilant for any signs of bluetongue in their animals.

“Vets are there to support farmers in protecting the health and welfare of their livestock. We’d recommend farmers speak to their vet about the benefits of vaccination where one is available and especially if farmers have any concerns about their livestock.”

The total number of cases now stands at five. The affected cows have been culled and a temporary control zone is in place around the two premises where the virus has been found.

Image © Shutterstock

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.