New government measures introduced today, 11 September 2026, aim to accelerate the diagnosis of bluetongue in England. The changes are intended to cut waiting times for farmers, allowing them to receive quicker confirmation of suspected cases and act sooner to protect livestock, as the disease becomes more widespread.
Under the updated approach, private vets will be able to diagnose bluetongue after examining affected animals when the signs are clear. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will then formally confirm these cases. This is expected to reduce the number of straightforward cases requiring laboratory testing, providing farmers with faster answers.
An online system has also been launched to enable vets to report cases directly to APHA more easily and quickly. The Deputy UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Ele Brown, stated that private vets are well-placed to recognise the signs of the disease, and this change will allow farmers to get a diagnosis more quickly.
The government continues to urge farmers to discuss vaccination with their vets, as it is considered the most effective way to protect susceptible livestock. APHA has also published a new heat map to help farmers understand the disease picture in their areas and make informed decisions regarding vaccination.