Private vets can now diagnose bluetongue directly. 

The APHA has updated its policy to help speed up diagnosis. 

Private vets can now diagnose bluetongue directly after examining affected animals under new measures introduced by the government today (11 September). 

Until now, all suspected cases of bluetongue required formal conformation by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The update means straightforward cases no longer need to wait for laboratory results, giving farmers faster answers and allowing them to take immediate action to protect their livestock.

The government has also introduced a new online system allowing vets to report cases directly to the APHA, which will further speed up confirmation and cut waiting times for farmers.

The latest figures show there have been 1,048 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the UK during the 2026 to 2027 season, with 916 of those in England.

UK deputy chief veterinary officer, Ele Brown said: “Bluetongue is widely circulating in England and our approach needs to keep pace. Private vets are well placed to recognise signs of the diseases, and this change will mean farmers can get a diagnosis more quickly.
 
“Vaccination is the best tool available to help protect susceptible livestock, so I absolutely continue to urge farmers to speak to their vet about vaccinating their herd or flock.  It takes time for immunity in vaccinated animals to build and it is best to have this conversation now.”

In addition to the policy updates, and acting on calls from farmers, the APHA has published a new heat map to help livestock owners better understand local disease risk and make informed decisions about vaccination. 

Officials maintain that vaccination remains the most effective way to protect livestock, adding that healthy animals can still benefit from vaccination, even in areas where the disease is already circulating. 

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