Research and analysis

Risk assessment: epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV-8) into Great Britain from the European Union

A qualitative risk assessment on the likelihood of epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV-8) incursion into Great Britain from the European Union, and the potential for subsequent transmission among susceptible animal populations.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Published: 18 June 2025

Documents

Risk assessment on the likelihood of spread of epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV-8) to Great Britain from the European Union in October 2023 (executive summary)

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This risk assessment provides a qualitative assessment of the risk of susceptible species in Great Britain becoming infected with epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus serotype 8 (EHDV-8) from the legal importation of live animals and their products from an EU member state.

The overall annual likelihood of entry of EHDV-8 into Great Britain is low with medium uncertainty. The annual likelihood of exposure of a susceptible animal in Great Britain to an infected vector is considered medium with medium uncertainty. The potential consequences of an EHDV-8 incursion in Great Britain are moderate with high uncertainty. 

This is a summary of a risk assessment first completed in August 2023 and further updated in October 2023.

Published 18 June 2025