Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) urges farmers to be aware of latest Welsh Government advice around Bluetongue and movement restrictions.
From 20 June 2025 any susceptible animals (ruminants or camelids including cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas) moving from a Bluetongue Restricted Zone to Wales to live will require a specific movement licence (on gov.uk), and valid pre-movement test at the keeper’s expense. If an animal is showing clinical signs on the day of transport they cannot move to Wales.
Bluetongue virus is primarily transmitted by midge bites and affects cattle, goats and sheep. The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – some show no clinical signs or effects at all, while for others it can cause productivity issues, while and in the most severe cases can be fatal for infected animals.
HCC’s Producer and Processor Lead John Richards commented: “We would urge Welsh farmers to familiarise themselves with the new Welsh Government regulations around Bluetongue and movement restrictions. It is possible that these restrictions will change and develop over the coming months, therefore we would urge farmers to refer to Welsh Government for the latest advice and information.”
John continued: “Consumers should be reassured that the disease does not affect food safety and does not pose a threat to human health.”
Welsh Government’s advice on Bluetongue can be found here: https://www.gov.wales/bluetongue-policy-wales
