The Pirbright Institute is ramping up testing in response to a surge in the number of reported cases of suspected Bluetongue serotype-3 (BTV-3).
To date, 265 cases have been reported in England and five in Wales in the latest 2026-27 season. The numbers are expected to increase throughout the summer. The latest figures can be found on the UK Government website.
Bluetongue is a viral disease spread by biting midges that affects cattle, sheep, goats, deer and camelids. It is predominantly spread between ruminants through the bites of infected Culicoides midges.
Home to the UK’s Non-Vesicular Reference Laboratory (NVRL) and National Reference Laboratory for BTV, the Pirbright Institute provides essential diagnostics, surveillance and advisory services for animal diseases.
Pirbright carries out BTV testing - which can take up to five working days - on behalf of the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). A process of disease confirmation may be required by the competent authority (APHA/Defra) before Pirbright can release final test results.
Dr Carrie Batten, who leads the NVRL, said:
“Testing and final confirmation can take several days, and we can only confirm results when the entire process is complete. To help us, we ask those submitting BTV test samples to ensure the form is filled in correctly and to check it before it is sealed and sent. We also ask that people do not contact the laboratory directly, as we cannot give results over the phone or by email. If you have queries regarding test results, please contact APHA on 03000 200 301. We are doing our utmost to complete testing and inform APHA/Defra as soon as possible to support farmers and veterinarians who are experiencing losses as a result of BTV-3."
Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it, you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office.
More information about bluetongue is available on our website.