‘Sensible step’ for government testing
Changes to testing for bluetongue virus (BTV) have been welcomed by The Pirbright Institute.
The government has announced new measures to cut waiting times for farmers and give them quicker confirmation of suspected cases, allowing them to protect livestock.
Latest data show 1,132 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the UK in the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season – 983 of them in England. A case is defined as a premises on which at least one bluetongue positive animal has been confirmed.
Currently, when bluetongue is suspected, farmers need to wait for samples to be sent for testing, then completed, and then possibly confirmed, meaning farmers can face a wait for results.
Under new measures, where the signs of bluetongue are clear, private vets will be able to diagnose bluetongue after examining affected animals, with cases formally confirmed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). This will mean fewer straightforward cases need to wait for laboratory results, giving farmers an answer sooner and helping them take quicker action to protect livestock.
Dr Carrie Batten, Head of Pirbright’s Non-Vesicular Reference Laboratory, said: "The change in policy marks a sensible step forward for farmers in England who will now be able to access a BTV diagnosis rapidly from veterinary professionals. The Pirbright institute will continue to provide testing where required."
Pirbright is working with the Animal and Plant Health Agency to test for BTV-3. The number of Pirbright staff working on testing has risen fivefold to meet demand. Testing can take 5 -7 working days. If disease confirmation is required, results take longer to be released.
Pirbright can only confirm results once the testing process is complete. We ask those submitting test samples to ensure the form is completed correctly, checked before it is sealed, and that the parcel is clearly identified as ERZ, WRZ or Pre-licence move before it is sent.
Please do not contact the laboratory directly. We cannot provide results by phone or email. For queries regarding test results, please contact APHA on 03000 200 301.