Vets raise concerns over new bluetongue reporting system
© Adobe Stock Vets have warned that changes to bluetongue case reporting could have unintended consequences for disease surveillance.
Changes introduced by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) on Friday (11 September) allow vets in England to report suspected clinical cases of bluetongue through an online service, eliminating the need to submit blood samples for laboratory testing.
See also: Apha targets bluetongue testing backlog with new system
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) said the system had been introduced at “very short notice” as vets support farmers through the ongoing bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) outbreak.
There have now been 1,081 confirmed BTV-3 cases – premises with at least one positive animal – in the 2026-27 season, including 943 in England, 114 in Wales and 24 in Scotland.
A further 1,862 potential cases are under investigation across Great Britain.
BVA junior vice-president Dr Gwen Rees said vets had been working “tirelessly” during an unprecedented outbreak.
While the association was “pleased that some of our initial questions have been addressed”, she said: “We do, however, remain concerned about possible unintended consequences and we’ll closely monitor the impact of these changes on our members and their clients, and any increased risk to disease surveillance.”
While the statement lacks specifics, it is understood that some vets are concerned that other diseases, such as foot-and-mouth, may be missed if full blood tests are replaced by observation.
Streamlined reporting process
The changes come amid heavy pressure on bluetongue testing, with vets reporting waits of about five weeks for laboratory results.
Apha said the online system, available only to vets in England, was intended to streamline reporting and speed up its response to suspected cases.
Existing telephone reporting and testing routes remain available where vets are uncertain, and the new system is not available for vets in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
The move also comes under wider scrutiny of the government’s handling of BTV-3.
The Efra committee this week demanded answers from Apha and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate over testing delays, vaccine availability and preparedness for the outbreak.
Wales vaccine call
Reporting arrangements have not changed in Wales, where livestock keepers must continue notifying suspected cases directly to the Animal and Plant Health Agency by calling 0300 303 8268.
Where infection cannot be ruled out by telephone, a veterinary inspector will visit and determine whether laboratory testing is required.
Up to three samples per farm can currently be tested at Welsh government expense, with no cost to farmers for the associated investigation or testing.
Chief veterinary officer for Wales Dr Richard Irvine urged farmers to discuss vaccination with their vet and place orders to demonstrate demand.
“Vaccination is the only viable long-term measure to protect livestock against bluetongue,” he said.
Farmers buying replacement stock are also being advised to check animals’ bluetongue and vaccination status.