Welsh Government confirms Temporary Control Zone for Bluetongue in Monmouthshire

02 Hydref 2025

The Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Wales has declared a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) around a confirmed Bluetongue (BTV-3) case near Tintern, Monmouthshire.   

The TCZ came into force from 1 October 2025 and it is bordered by the A449, A40 and M4 border – although the roads are not within the TCZ.

This means that all animals and germinal products must move onto and off holdings in the TCZ under a movement licence.

Pre-movement testing is required for unvaccinated animals to move out of the TCZ to live in the Bluetongue free area of Wales, but it is not required to move to live in the English Restricted Zone. Welsh Government will shortly publish the relevant movement licences on their website. 

Confirmed cases in Wales

There are currently four confirmed cases of Bluetongue in Wales, with the other three in Powys. Further investigation and testing are underway to determine the source of infection which will determine the next steps in these other outbreaks.  

NFU Cymru remains in constant dialogue with the CVO for Wales and his team as the disease situation continues to evolve. 

NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader said: “The news that four cases of BTV-3 have now been confirmed in Wales is a concern to livestock keepers but not surprising given the number of cases reported across the border in recent weeks. We understand the rationale that has led the CVO for Wales to introduce a TCZ around the case in Monmouthshire but warn that the potential economic and practical implications for farm businesses within the zone are huge. We urge Welsh Government to monitor the situation to ensure these restrictions can be relaxed as soon as possible.
 
“NFU Cymru urges 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."

Welsh Government has issued the following advice on when licencing and testing is required:

  • Holdings which are partially within the TCZ - Any holding that is partially within the TCZ is treated as if the whole holding falls within the TCZ. Animal movements within the holding will be allowed without any conditions, but movements off the holding will be subject to the relevant movement licencing.
  • Movements to slaughter from the TCZ - A general licence will be published permitting movements out of the TCZ to slaughter. There are no vaccination or pre-movement testing requirements.
  • Movements into the TCZ to live - A general licence will be published permitting movements into the TCZ to live. Vaccination is recommended to protect the health and welfare of animals moving into the zone. No pre or post-movement testing required.
  • Movements out of the TCZ to live in Bluetongue-free area in Wales - vaccinated animals - A general licence will be published permitting vaccinated animals to move out of the TCZ to live in Bluetongue-free areas of Wales.
  • Movements out of the TCZ to live in Bluetongue-free area in Wales - unvaccinated animals - A specific licence from APHA and a negative PCR pre-movement test will be required for this type of move.
  • Movements out of the TCZ to live in the English Restricted Zone - A general licence will be published permitting movements to the English Restricted Zone to live. Vaccination is recommended but not required for this type of move.
  • Movements from the Bluetongue free area of Wales, transiting through the TCZ - No testing is needed if the animals are moving directly from a Bluetongue-free area of Wales through the restricted zone without stops, other than scheduled stops at motorway service stations, official lay-bys on trunk/main roads and lorry parks or similar places.
  • Movement of germinal product - A general licence will be published permitting movements of germinal products out of the TCZ.
  • Force majeure moves for welfare reasons (e.g. due to flooding) – APHA must be notified and inspection by the private vet must take place within 24 hours of the movement, subsequent action is informed by veterinary risk assessment. 

Read the full guidance on the Welsh Government website.

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