From 1 November, the management of bluetongue in the European Union is changing: what livestock farmers need to know

New regulations on bluetongue (BT) will come into force in the European Union (EU) at the beginning of November this year. The disease will no longer be classified as Category C, meaning that there will no longer be any eradication programmes for this disease or the granting of official ‘disease-free’ status at EU level; instead, greater emphasis will be placed on disease surveillance, early detection, biosecurity and the safe movement of animals.

BLV has been detected in Lithuania, but no clinical signs have been reported

In recent years, the MLL virus has spread more widely across Europe; various serotypes are being detected, and Culicoides midges, which transmit the disease, are being found in new areas. In view of the changed epidemiological situation, the European Commission has amended the regulatory principles governing the management of MLL.

In Lithuania, the MLL virus of serotype 3 was first detected in the autumn of 2025. In 2026, laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the virus in cattle, sheep and cervids. To date, no clinical signs of the disease have been reported in Lithuania.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the impact of the disease on animals depends on various factors, including the virus serotype and the animal species. Vaccines have been developed for different serotypes, which can reduce the risk of clinical signs and animal mortality.

What is changing from 1 November?

Until now, bluetongue has been classified in categories C, D and E. From 1 November 2026, it will be classified only in categories D and E.

This means that:

• The status of an area officially free from bluetongue will no longer be sought at EU level. Member States will not be granted the status of a country or territory officially free from this disease under the previous procedure.

• MLL eradication programmes will no longer be approved. The primary objective is not the eradication of the disease, but the management of the risk of its spread.

• Disease surveillance and the obligation to report suspected cases will remain in place. If you suspect any signs of this disease, you must contact a vet immediately and inform the State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT).

• Requirements for the movement of animals will remain in place. Special animal health requirements will continue to apply to the export of animals to other EU Member States.

These changes simplify the regulations governing the management of MLL and allow greater focus to be placed on measures to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

What requirements will apply when animals are exported from Lithuania to other EU Member States?

It is important for livestock keepers to assess the purpose for which the animals are being transported and to check in advance the requirements applicable in the country of destination.

When transporting animals for slaughter from areas affected by MLL, in accordance with the specified conditions, no additional requirements relating to MLL apply.

When animals are transported for further rearing, the established requirements must be complied with. One of the options provided for is that the animals must be vaccinated against MLL serotype 3, and the duration of immunity specified in the vaccine’s specifications must cover the period from the fulfilment of the transport conditions until the end of immunity.

The following condition must also be met:

• the animals must be vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine, and blood samples taken at least 14 days after the onset of immunity as specified in the vaccine’s specifications must have been tested using the PGR method and returned negative results.

In other specified cases, vaccinated animals must comply with specific risk-mitigation measures required by the competent authority of the Member State of destination – which must publish information on the specific conditions of entry on its website. Slovakia, Ireland, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Germany, Romania and Hungary have already issued such notifications.

Before planning the transport of animals, it is recommended to find out in advance the requirements applicable to the specific animal species and the purpose of the journey, as well as the conditions laid down by the country of destination. Requirements and possible exemptions may vary – this depends on the country of destination and the decisions of its competent authority.

Vaccination and biosecurity remain important

Although the regulatory principles governing MLL are changing, it remains essential for livestock keepers to monitor their animals’ health, comply with biosecurity requirements and discuss vaccination options with their vet.

Bluetongue is a viral disease of ruminants spread by insects. It is therefore important to be alert to changes in animal health and to respond promptly to any signs of the disease.