Version 08/09/2026
Following the recent rise in Bluetongue cases, both England and Wales remain Bluetongue (BTV) Restricted Zones (RZ), and no changes have been made to movement restrictions, meaning stock can move freely between premises in the two countries.
There are currently no restrictions on movements of any sheep between farms, markets or other locations in England and Wales.
Most of Scotland remains a BTV free zone. However, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) has been established in South West Scotland. This TCZ will be replaced by an RZ on 10th September.
Movements of livestock between the RZ in England and Wales and the Free Area in Scotland are currently restricted for the duration of the summer months.
From 1st June until at least 9th September 2026 animals will only be permitted to move to the Free Area of Scotland from the BTV3 Restricted Zone (England, Wales, NI and IOM) in accordance with licensing rules.
Animals from the RZ moving to Scotland to live before 9th September must have a negative PCR test for BTV3, with samples taken within seven days of the movement. Sheep will be unable to move to Scotland from the RZ during this time without a negative pre-movement test, even when vaccinated.
From Saturday 22nd August the ‘four-day rule’ for Scottish animals attending a show or sales in the RZ area will be suspended. This is being replaced by a ‘one-day rule’, meaning animals must travel to and from an RZ area in a single day and must must be unloaded after sunrise and loaded before sunset (approximately 6am and 8pm during late August to early September).
Any Scottish animals which are in the RZ for longer than this period of time and are returning to Scotland will only be able to do so once they have received negative blood test results.
In addition, Scotland introduced a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) in South West Scotland on 20th August, this will be replaced by an RZ on 10th September. Up until 9th September, animals cannot leave the TCZ to move to the Free Area of Scotland without first having a negative blood test result. Animals from the English and Welsh RZ moving to live in the Free Area of Scotland can pass through the TCZ provided the vehicle they are travelling in does not stop within it.
The Scottish Government has also said that from 10th September the following movement rules will apply to animals moving from the Scottish RZ to the free area of Scotland and moving from the English and Welsh RZ to the free area of Scotland.
Movements from the Scottish RZ
Only breeding bulls and pregnant cows will require vaccination and a PCR test, if leaving the RZ and moving to the free area of Scotland (unless vaccinated with Bultavo-3).
All other cattle, sheep or goats do not need to be vaccinated or have a negative PCR test result to leave the Scottish RZ.
Stags, adult male camelids and pregnant deer and pregnant camelids will require pre-movement testing and owners are advised to consider vaccination in consultation with their vet.
Animals from the Scottish RZ can move to the English and Welsh RZ without restriction or needing to be blood tested.
Movements from the English and Welsh RZ will mirror the rules above for movements from the Scottish RZ.
Movements from Northern Ireland require a DAERA export health certificate which includes specific bluetongue attestations that mirror controls from other RZ areas in the UK.
No animal may move to Scotland to live if it has been present on any premises with a confirmed case of Bluetongue in the six months prior to the movement, even if the animal returns a negative test result, or are cattle vaccinated with Bultavo-3.
Exports
Exports of live animals from GB to the EU and Northern Ireland are currently banned.
For Northern Ireland, all BTV restrictions have been lifted following the confirmation of cases late last year. Stock can now move freely within Northern Ireland and between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Any livestock from Northern Ireland can also travel to England and Wales without restrictions. However, livestock from Northern Ireland moving to Scotland require additional BTV attestation.
Animals from Northern Ireland can also travel to EU countries, depending on the destination country’s BTV status and testing requirements.
Members are urged to remain vigilant for signs of Bluetongue in their flocks and to use vaccination to protect their animals.
For the latest Bluetongue restrictions and movement controls please see the relevant government link below.