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Bluetongue restriction zone expands
The UK is said to be in 'a seasonally low vector period' for bluetongue virus.

Defra has identified further cases of the virus in Dorset.

A restriction on the movement of cattle has been extended to Dorset following the identification of bluetongue (BTV-3) disease.

The confirmation of cases by the APHA and DEFRA brings the total number of of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain for the 2024/25 vector season to 212.

A spokesperson for the APHA said: “Following the identification of cases in cattle in Dorset as part of the winter surveillance and in accordance with our policy of seeking to contain and slow the spread of disease by preventing the long distance moves of high-risk infected animals, the restricted zone was further extended on 14 February 2025 to include: Dorset, Additional areas of Wiltshire, Somerset (part), East Devon (part).”

The UK’s chief veterinary officer (CVO) Christine Middlemiss recently stated the UK was currently ‘a seasonally low vector period’ for bluetongue virus, but urged farmers to remain vigilant for the disease.

She added: “We are committed to working with everyone affected and will continue to keep the Restricted Zone under review.”

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease that should be reported to the APHA on 03000 200 301

Image (C) Shutterstock.

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk