Everything you need to know about all-Wales Bluetongue Restricted Zone
31st October 2025
Welsh Government announced that an all-Wales Restricted Zone (RZ) for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) will be introduced from 10th November.
To date, 11 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in Wales, four in Powys and seven in the Temporary Control Zone, located in Monmouthshire.
It is likely the number of bluetongue cases will increase as the surveillance continues, the Welsh Government said.
The move to introduce the all-Wales Restricted Zone (RZ) will replace the existing Temporary Control Zone with a single national approach.
The restricted zone relates to BTV-3 only. Controls may need to be introduced for positive cases of new bluetongue serotypes, should these emerge in the future.
What livestock keepers need to know
The declaration of the all-Wales RZ will have the following effects:
Revocation of the TCZ – the existing TCZ and associated conditions will be revoked, simplifying disease control measures across Wales
Removal of premises-level restrictions – individual premises across Wales will no longer be subject to bluetongue-specific movement or control restrictions
No further culling or restrictions – culling of infected animals and imposition of further bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) restrictions will cease in Wales
Free movement of livestock – livestock movements between England and Wales will no longer require bluetongue vaccination or other mitigation measures, facilitating trade and logistics. Vaccination is still recommended, including for livestock moving to tack grazing in England
Ongoing surveillance and future preparedness – regular monitoring will continue for detection of any new bluetongue serotypes and support future efforts to regain disease-free status. Controls may be necessary for other BTV serotypes
Continued restrictions on germinal products – testing of donor animals before freezing and marketing of germinal products will continue to provide quality assurance and reduce the risk of longer-term bluetongue transmission
Changes for livestock movements to Scotland – moving animals from the Wales RZ to Scotland will be subject to the Scottish Government’s rules on licensing and movement testing.
READ MORE: Farmers warned after two bluetongue cases confirmed in Wales
‘Cooperation and collaboration are key’
Wales’ chief veterinary officer, Richard Irvine, said: “We continue to urge animal keepers to source stock responsibly, remain vigilant for the signs of Bluetongue, and report any suspect cases to the APHA immediately.
“Vaccination remains the best way to protect livestock and livelihoods from the worst impacts of Bluetongue, which can include both illness of affected livestock and longer-term effects on fertility and productivity. It is more important than ever to be prepared.
“With the full support of industry, I strongly encourage animal keepers to discuss the role and timing of Bluetongue vaccination of their herds and flocks with their vets, particularly before the next active transmission period for the disease, in spring 2026.
The deputy first minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, added: “As we move forward, ongoing cooperation and collaboration between farmers, vets, Welsh Government and delivery partners remains crucial to minimising the long-term impact of Bluetongue in Wales.”
Announcement welcomed by NFU Cymru
NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said: “We welcome the announcement by the deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies that an all-Wales Restricted Zone (RZ) for Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) will be introduced from 10th November 2025.
“The move to a whole country RZ is something NFU Cymru has been calling for, and at the roundtable we expressed our strong support for this way forward. With temperatures dropping, it is right to move to this approach; all along we have said the risks of the disease must be balanced against the economic and practical costs of the controls.
“With further cases of BTV-3 confirmed in Wales, we urge all livestock keepers to remain vigilant and to report any suspicion of disease to APHA immediately on 0300 3038268.
“We believe that vaccination represents the best way of protecting our flocks and herds in Wales, and we continue to recommend that farmers discuss the potential benefits with their private vet to decide if it is right for them.”
READ MORE: Vets highlight benefits of vaccination amid autumn rise in bluetongue cases
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