Bluetongue virus (BTV)
We’re currently in a restricted zone for an outbreak of bluetongue virus (BTV) in livestock.
Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects ruminants (such as sheep, cattle, goats and deer) and camelids (llamas and alpacas). It does not affect horses, pigs or humans.
More about bluetongue on GOV.UK.
Report BTV
Cases of BTV have been confirmed across several counties, including Kent.
If suspected, farmers must report it immediately on 03000 200 301.
You can also call the BTV hotline on 024 7771 0386.
Further guidance
- View current information on cases, zones and guidance.
- View government guidance on preventing and stopping the spread of bluetongue.
- Visit Ruminant Health & Welfare and the NFU website for practical and up to date information.
- View information on BTV-3 vaccines including permits and licences.
- View details of the current disease control zones on the bluetongue disease control map.
Animal movement
Free testing is available for animals moving from high-risk counties outside the restricted zone to elsewhere in Great Britain. The high-risk counties are Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex.
A licence is needed to move animals in a disease control zone. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will issue general licences for some movements, but not all general licences are immediately available. Priority will be given to movements to approved slaughterhouses and welfare-related moves.
Farmers can apply for a licence to exempt a specific movement from bluetongue restrictions. Defra advice is to allow at least 5 days for the licence application to be processed.
Complex and high-risk movements will need extra time to process. Farmers are advised to have contingency plans in place to allow for the time a licence takes to be issued and if the licence is refused.
View information on general licences and applications for specific movement licences.