Government steps up Bluetongue response

New vet-led approach will give farmers faster diagnosis of the disease, cutting waiting times for confirmation of bluetongue cases.

The government is speeding up the fight against bluetongue, with new measures introduced today (Friday 11 September 2026) that will cut waiting times for farmers and give them quicker confirmation of suspected cases to act sooner to help protect livestock, as cases continue to rise in England.

Currently, when bluetongue is suspected farmers need to wait for samples to be sent for laboratory testing before a case is confirmed, meaning farmers can face a wait for results.

Under new measures, where the signs of bluetongue are clear, private vets will be able to diagnose bluetongue after examining affected animals, with cases formally confirmed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). This will mean fewer straightforward cases need to wait for laboratory results, giving farmers an answer sooner and helping them take quicker action to protect livestock.

A new online system has been introduced which will also make it easier and quicker for vets to report cases directly to APHA, helping speed up confirmation and reduce delays for farmers.

It does not mean a reduction in disease controls. Where a vet cannot rule out suspicion of another notifiable disease, including foot and mouth, the usual reporting and laboratory testing arrangements will continue.

The changes reflect the current stage of the outbreak in England, where bluetongue is now widespread and its characteristics are well understood. It is the latest step in the government’s response to bluetongue, alongside disease surveillance and support from APHA.