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First bluetongue cases confirmed in Wales
Bluetongue has never previously been detected in Wales.
Virus detected in sheep transported from England.

Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed for the first time in Wales after three sheep transported from the East of England to a premises in Gwynedd tested positive.

The disease has also been detected outside of the restricted zone in England at a premises in Bath, Somerset. As with the case in Gwynedd, the infected animal had been moved from an area where the disease is now known to be circulating.

In both cases, the infected animals have been culled and the premises placed under restrictions. Further investigations are being carried out to determine if additional control measures are needed.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has also reported that a case has been discovered in an animal imported into Devon. The other animals in the consignment all tested negative. The infected animal has been culled and the other animals will undergo repeat testing.

Farmers have been urged to be vigilant for signs of BTV-3 and to practise safe-sourcing when acquiring livestock.

Gavin Watkins, Wales’ deputy chief veterinary officer, said: “It is important to talk to your vet and practise safe-sourcing of livestock to protect our herds and flocks and keep any further disease out of Wales.

“I would urge all farmers and others who keep ruminants and camelids to be vigilant for the signs of bluetongue and to report any suspect cases to APHA immediately.

“We have been raising awareness of the disease with vets and industry and appreciate their help in communicating the risks to animal keepers in Wales.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03003 038 268 in Wales or 03000 200 301 in England. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office.

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.