Bluetongue rules cut livestock entries at Great Yorkshire Show

The change follows APHA’s announcement that the bluetongue virus Restricted Zone will be extended from Tuesday, July 1 to cover the whole of England, ending movement restrictions for livestock within English borders.

Following on, the Great Yorkshire Show has confirmed this means exhibitors from Scotland and Wales are not permitted to bring livestock, unless they are classed as the same bluetongue zone.

At present, The Scottish Farmer understands both Scotland and Wales will attempt to remain bluetongue free for as long as possible.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed this major shift in disease control strategy, bringing the whole of England into a single bluetongue Restricted Zone.

This change will allow farmers to transport cattle, sheep, ruminants, and camelids without the need for movement testing.

As it stands, however, it means that only English exhibitors can attend the 166th Great Yorkshire Show, which will take place from July 8-11, 2025.

A Great Yorkshire Show spokesperson said: “The Great Yorkshire Show team would like to reassure its exhibitors that it is working closely with Defra/APHA to ensure robust procedures are in place to protect the health and welfare of all livestock coming onto the showground.

“The health, safety and welfare of all of our exhibitors and animals is paramount and as such, we understand concerns around bluetongue and these are the steps we are taking. All entries are welcome from livestock exhibitors in England in both the Clear Zone and the Restricted Zone for bluetongue.”

The organisers continued: “This is due to the plan from APHA to put the whole of England into a Restricted Zone from Tuesday, July 1. Because of this, exhibitors from Wales and Scotland will not be able to enter if both countries remain in the Clear Zone by the closing dates.

“This dynamic approach has been taken in response to the regular movement of the bluetongue boundary and to ensure everyone has the chance to enter.”

Entries close for sheep on Monday, June 9, beef cattle on Thursday, June 12 and dairy cattle on Monday, June 30.

The Great Yorkshire Showground was put into the expanded Restricted (Red) Zone for bluetongue on Sunday, May 18.

The show team met with DEFRA/APHA and the show vets, when the decision was taken to accommodate entries from both the Clear Zone and the Restricted (Red) Zone.

Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), primarily transmitted via midge bites, affects species including cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and camelids such as llamas and alpacas.

Since its detection in September 2024, Defra said most cases have presented with only mild symptoms, with animals generally recovering well.

The department’s decision to extend the restricted zone follows extensive consultation with both the farming industry and scientific experts.

However, restrictions on freezing germinal products will remain in place within the restricted zone.

UK chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss said: “Through movement controls we have slowed the westerly spread of bluetongue until vaccines are available.

“We are now moving away from government-imposed movement controls which are costly and disruptive to farming, particularly those within the zones.

“An all-England restriction zone will allow livestock farmers currently impacted by burdensome restrictions to be on equal footing with the rest of England.”

Vaccines for BTV-3 are now available, and livestock keepers are being urged to consult their private vets regarding vaccination, which is regarded as the most effective method of protection.