News Story

The bluetongue virus is “not going away any time soon” and will likely spread further among Scotland’s livestock, a minister has warned.

The disease, which affects ruminant livestock such as sheep and cows, is now confirmed to be in circulation in the south-west of Scotland.

The Scottish Government has made the area a temporary control zone, which will be replaced by a “restricted zone” from September 10.

From that point, fattening and non-pregnant female animals will no longer need to be tested or vaccinated to move from the affected area to another part of Scotland.

However susceptible animals will still need a licence if they are being moved out of the restricted zone.

It is hoped dropping temperatures will reduce the risk of the disease spreading.

Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie, said: “We have been doing all we can to stop bluetongue getting a foothold but the evidence now is regrettably showing us that the disease is circulating in south-west Scotland, meaning that legally we have to make that area a restricted zone.

“What this shows is that the disease is not going away any time soon, and industry should start to prepare for the disease gaining a permanent hold within the rest of Scotland.

“I recognise that this is an extremely difficult time for farmers and the wider industry and we are continuing to work closely with them on how we deal with the disease in Scotland for the longer term.

“While we have no choice but to establish a restricted zone, the risk of spread reduces during the colder months.

“That is why, after listening to industry feedback, we remain able to continue to change restrictions on the movement of some animals out of the zone from September 10.

“What will not change is that vaccination is the only viable long-term strategy for controlling bluetongue.”

He urged anyone with susceptible livestock to speak to their vet as soon as possible.