A new online tool has been launched to help farmers continue to move safely and legally through the UK through the chaos of Bluetooth Movement Rules.
The Bluetooth Movements Checker provides an interactive platform to help farmers understand the licensing and testing requirements for animals running within GB, particularly in light of the expansion of the Bluetooth Seropty 3 (BTV-3).
The free tool aims to simplify many complex and evolving rules surrounding diseases that affect livestock movements between England, Scotland and Wales.
Starting from July 1, 2025, the All-En Blue Tong Restriction Zone will be enacted, further complicating cross-border transactions.
As a result, the Welsh government requires livestock entering Wales from the UK to be vaccinated against Blue Tongs or undergo pre-negative exercise tests.
BTV-3 had caused widespread disruption in the livestock sector in mainland Europe, but was mostly confined to the eastern UK in 2024, with only mild symptoms reported in many cases.
However, by confirming that the virus has been wintering in parts of the country and is now present in western England, the risk is now significantly higher.
Dr Mandy Nevel, head of animal welfare at AHDB and member of Anti-Mint Health & Welfare (RH&W), said, “Delegated governments in Scotland and Wales still require prior testing of animals coming from the England Restriction Zone in most cases.
“We know that changing the policy environment for Bluetooth has led to questions for farmers, particularly about what is needed to enable livestock to travel across borders within the GB.”
The tool is developed with input from RH&W, AHDB, and delegated governments in Wales and Scotland, ensuring that it provides accurate advice for all types of livestock movements.
Shropshire Farmer Clare Millington welcomed the launch of the tool and highlighted its value for companies like her, who regularly trade across borders.
“For many years, we have been selling breeding ewes in Wales pools across the border and as an important part of our business strategy,” she said.
“According to the latest laws, this freely available Bluetooth Movement Checker tool keeps you up to date where you can and cannot sell sheep.”
Millington added that the tool has already helped them understand new rules regarding movements from July 1st onwards.
“It is clear that after using this tool, ewes can be brought to Welsh pool by July 1, but after that, you will no longer be able to sell sheep to Wales unless you have a specific Bluetooth exercise license and a valid pre-exercise test.”
As the new vector season begins, UK veterinarians heads have recently urged farmers and veterinarians to seriously consider vaccinating against blue tongs and take proactive steps.
With three licensed BTV-3 vaccines now available in England, Scotland and Wales, authorities stressed that early planning is key to protecting animal health and welfare.
