From 1st July 2025, the restricted zone for bluetongue will be extended to cover all of England. This means you will be able to move animals within England without needing a specific bluetongue licence or pre-movement testing. However, if you are freezing germinal products, such as semen, ova or embryos, you will need to apply for a specific licence and testing will be required. Keepers will be responsible for the cost of sampling, postage and testing.
Current Measures in Place Until 30th June 2025
Until 11:59pm on 30th June 2025, the existing exemptions for pre-movement testing remain in place. You do not need to test non-breeding animals over 60 days old before moving them from the restricted zone to an unrestricted area of England. However, a specific licence is still required if you are moving animals out of the restricted zone.
Animal Movements to Scotland and Wales
If you are planning to move animals from England to Scotland on or after 13th June 2025, you should follow the guidance on movement licences and pre-movement tests in Scotland. From 20th June 2025, if you are moving animals from England to Wales, you should follow the Welsh guidance on movement licences and testing.