Bluetongue cases had been rising sharply by 21 August 2026, when the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) published guidance on what livestock keepers and vets can expect after reporting a suspected case. APHA said it was receiving a high number of daily reports from across Great Britain, and that each call begins with a veterinarian's questions to judge whether the signs suggest bluetongue or another notifiable disease such as foot and mouth disease.

Sampling requirements differ by nation. In England, eligible keepers could have a private vet collect blood from up to three affected animals using an APHA reference number, with laboratory fees covered but sampling costs paid by the keeper; samples should not be taken within seven days of vaccination. In Wales, APHA would arrange an official investigation funded by the Welsh Government, while in Scotland APHA would carry out an on-site investigation at no cost to the keeper. Samples go to The Pirbright Institute.

The agency said processing, including postage, may take up to two weeks in England and Wales, with positive notifiable-disease results needing APHA confirmation, and up to two to three days in Scotland. Testing remains voluntary but suspected cases must still be reported. APHA noted three BTV-3 vaccines were authorised in Great Britain and described vaccination as the only viable long-term control measure.