Key data
| Regulation | Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/797 of the Commission, of 27 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Modified regulation | Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689 |
| Publication | 7 August 2026 |
| Entry into force | Not specified in the published text |
| Affected serotypes | Blue tongue virus, serotypes 1 to 24 |
| Affected parties | Ruminant farmers (sheep, cattle, goats), veterinarians, animal health authorities and livestock exporters |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries — Animal Health |
| Year | 2026 |
Ruminant livestock farms in Spain have a new mandatory health framework. The Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/797, published on 7 August 2026, amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689 and tightens the conditions for countries and regions to certify that they are free from blue tongue virus in any of its 24 serotypes.
The direct consequence for the sector is clear: national and regional health plans must be reviewed, and farms that do not comply with the new protocols are exposed to restrictions on intra-community trade in live animals and animal products.
What does this regulation establish?
The regulation acts on three main axes that affect both veterinary authorities and livestock farms themselves:
| Area | Previous situation (EU 2020/689) | Changes introduced (EU 2026/797) |
|---|---|---|
| Eradication programmes | Technical and procedural requirements of the 2020 framework | Updated requirements for serotypes 1-24 of blue tongue virus |
| "Disease-free" status | Criteria in force since 2020 | New criteria that Member States must meet to obtain or maintain status |
| National/regional health plans | National programmes in accordance with 2020 criteria | Obligation to review and update programmes in accordance with new established criteria |
| Farm protocols | Previous surveillance, vaccination and movement restrictions | New surveillance, vaccination and movement restriction protocols derived from the regulation |
The serotypes covered by the regulation span the entire known spectrum of the virus: serotypes 1 to 24. This means that no variant of the pathogen falls outside the new control framework.
Economic and operational impact
The impact is not only health-related: it is commercial and economic. The regulation introduces a chain of direct consequences for farms and those who trade in animals or animal products at European level.
- Movement restrictions: Farms located in areas that do not comply with the new protocols may have animal movements to other Member States blocked, with the resulting impact on sales and logistics.
- Surveillance and vaccination costs: Adaptation to the new protocols involves reviewing vaccination schedules and active surveillance systems, which may entail additional costs in veterinary services, analysis and record-keeping.
- Risk of loss of "disease-free" status: If Spain or any of its regions does not update its national programmes in accordance with the new criteria, it may lose its disease-free zone status, which blocks intra-community exports.
- Impact on exporters: Exporters of live animals and animal products (meat, milk, semen, embryos) must verify that their animals come from farms and zones that meet the new requirements before any commercial operation.
Who does it affect?
- Ruminant farmers: Especially sheep, cattle and goat farms, which are the species directly mentioned in the regulation.
- Farm and official veterinarians: Responsible for implementing and certifying compliance with the new surveillance and vaccination protocols.
- Animal health authorities: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and autonomous communities, which must review and update national and regional eradication programmes.
- Live livestock exporters: Companies that trade ruminant animals between EU Member States.
- Animal product exporters: Companies that export meat, milk, semen or embryos from ruminants and need to certify the health status of the area of origin.
Practical example
A sheep farm in Extremadura that regularly sells lambs to buyers in France or Portugal must verify the following before any intra-community movement:
- That the autonomous community has updated its regional eradication programme in accordance with the new criteria of Regulation (EU) 2026/797.
- That the vaccination schedule against blue tongue serotypes present in the area is up to date and documented.
- That the active surveillance systems on the farm comply with the new technical protocols required.
- That the health certificates accompanying the animals reflect compliance with the new requirements.
If any of these points is not covered, the sale operation may be blocked at the border by the veterinary authorities of the destination country, with the associated logistical and economic costs.
What should companies do now?
- Review the status of the regional programme: Contact the agriculture or livestock department of your autonomous community to confirm whether the regional blue tongue eradication programme has already been updated in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2026/797.
- Audit vaccination protocols: Verify with your farm veterinarian that the vaccination plan covers the relevant serotypes and is properly documented.
- Update surveillance systems: Ensure that active surveillance records on the farm meet the new technical requirements and are available for inspection.
- Review export certificates: If you export animals or animal products to other Member States, confirm with your official veterinarian that certificate models reflect the new regulatory framework.
- Inform your intra-community buyers: Communicate to your European customers that you are adapting your protocols to the new regulation, to avoid rejections at destination due to outdated documentation.
Frequently asked questions
What serotypes of blue tongue does Regulation (EU) 2026/797 cover?
The regulation covers all known serotypes of blue tongue virus: serotypes 1 to 24. No variant of the pathogen falls outside the new control and eradication framework.
What happens if my farm does not comply with the new protocols?
Non-compliance can result in trade restrictions for animals and animal products between Member States. In practice, movements of live animals to other EU countries may be blocked by the veterinary authorities of the destination country.
What animals does this regulation affect?
The regulation directly affects ruminant livestock, with express mention of sheep, cattle and goats. These are the species most exposed to blue tongue virus and those that must comply with the new surveillance and vaccination protocols.
What regulation does Regulation (EU) 2026/797 amend?
It amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689, which was the previous reference framework for eradication programmes and disease-free status against blue tongue in the European Union.
When does Regulation (EU) 2026/797 enter into force?
The date of entry into force has not been specified in the information published to date. It is recommended to consult the full text in the EU Official Journal and contact the competent veterinary authority of your autonomous community to find out the applicable adaptation deadlines.
Official source
Consult full regulation at official source
Disclaimer: 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:32026R0797