Blue tongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease 2026: new movement rules for livestock farmers and equine breeders

Key data

If you move livestock or horses between EU countries, this regulation affects you directly. The Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/795, published on 7 August 2026, updates the animal health conditions applicable to the movement of animals in relation to two key diseases: infection with blue tongue virus (serotypes 1-24) and infection with epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus. The regulation modifies Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688, which has regulated these movements until now.

The most relevant change for the equine sector is the introduction of a specific exemption for registered equines, which allows them to be transferred under controlled conditions without being subject to the general restrictions applicable to other susceptible animals.

What does this regulation establish?

The regulation acts on two main axes:

1. New conditions for ruminants and susceptible animals

Specific certification and control requirements are introduced for the movement of ruminants and other susceptible animals between EU Member States. This means that any cross-border transfer of these animals must be accompanied by updated health documentation that certifies compliance with the new criteria established by the regulation.

2. Exemption for registered equines

The most notable innovation is the exemption introduced for registered equines. Unlike the general regime, these animals will be able to be transferred under controlled conditions without the general restrictions applicable. This measure recognizes the operational reality of the competition and breeding equine sector, where frequent movements between countries are common.

Comparison: before and after

Economic and operational impact

The impact of this regulation translates into direct operational costs for those who move animals between EU countries:

• Review and update of internal protocols for movement and health documentation in livestock farms.
• New veterinary certification management for each cross-border transfer of ruminants and susceptible animals.
• Training of personnel responsible for document management in transporters and farms.
• Coordination with competent veterinary authorities, which must also apply the new surveillance criteria.

For the competition and breeding equine sector, the exemption introduced represents a significant operational advantage: it avoids general restrictions and reduces bureaucratic burden in routine transfers, provided that the controlled conditions established are met.

The competent veterinary authorities of each Member State will have to adapt their internal surveillance and certification procedures to apply the new criteria, which may also imply different processing times than current ones.

Who does it affect?

• Livestock farmers with ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats) who carry out or plan to carry out cross-border movements within the EU.
• Breeders and owners of registered equines who transfer horses between Member States (competition, breeding, sale).
• Animal transporters who operate international routes within the EU and must manage health documentation for each shipment.
• Equine sector operators: riding centers, competition stables, managers of international fairs and auctions.
• Competent veterinary authorities of the Member States, responsible for applying the new surveillance and certification criteria.
• Advisors and farm veterinarians who manage health documentation for their livestock clients.

Practical example

Imagine a sheep farm in Extremadura that regularly sells batches of animals to buyers in Portugal and France. Until now, its transfers were governed by the conditions of Regulation (EU) 2020/688. With the new Regulation 2026/795, it will need to:

1. Verify that its health documentation includes the new certification requirements for blue tongue (serotypes 1-24) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease.
2. Coordinate with its farm veterinarian the update of movement certificates.
3. Verify with the veterinary authorities of the destination country that the new criteria are compatible with those required at the border.

In parallel, a competition horse stable in Andalusia that participates in competitions in Germany, France and Belgium will benefit from the exemption for registered equines: its transfers can be carried out under controlled conditions without general restrictions, which simplifies document management and reduces possible border blockages due to additional health requirements.

What should companies do now?

1. Review current movement protocols and compare them with the new requirements of Regulation (EU) 2026/795, especially regarding certification for blue tongue (serotypes 1-24) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease.
2. Contact the farm veterinarian or health advisor to update the models of cross-border movement certificates.
3. Verify if the animals are registered equines and, if so, document the applicable exemption regime to facilitate future transfers without general restrictions.
4. Inform transport personnel about the new documents required in each international transfer, to avoid border detentions.
5. Consult the competent veterinary authorities of the destination Member State to confirm the surveillance and certification criteria they will apply upon receipt.
6. Establish a regulatory monitoring system to stay informed of possible further developments, given that the entry into force date has not been specified in the published regulation.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026R0795