Temporary Bluetongue Control Zone introduced

The Scottish Government is strengthening bluetongue disease controls after a case was detected near Lockerbie.

A Temporary Control Zone has been put in place in an area around Dumfries and Galloway as a precautionary measure while further investigations are conducted on the source and extent of the disease.

All movement of livestock such as cattle, sheep and other susceptible ruminants in or out of the zone can now only take place under licence. There will be also be increased surveillance and testing of animals nearby.

In addition, from Saturday 22 August, cattle, sheep and goats and other ruminants that are travelling from anywhere in Scotland to the Bluetongue Restricted Zone in place in the rest of the UK must return to Scotland on the same day to minimise the risk of the disease spreading. This replaces the current rule allowing up to four days away.  

From 10 September, all livestock susceptible to the disease that are being moved from a Bluetongue Restricted Zone in the rest of the UK into Scotland will need to be vaccinated, other than livestock returning to Scotland under the "same day" rule.

The Scottish Government continues to work closely with livestock industry representatives, including National Farmers Union Scotland, National Sheep Association, National Beef Association, the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers Scotland, and the Livestock Auctioneers Association, to ensure industry concerns are heard and reflected in the approach taken.

Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands Jim Fairlie said:

"The recent detection of bluetongue near Lockerbie, combined with the rapid rise in cases across the rest of the UK, means we must act now to strengthen our protections and minimise risk. This will allow essential time for further investigations and to allow vaccine uptake levels to increase sufficiently to provide greater protective immunity across susceptible livestock in Scotland.

"I recognise the significant impact this news will have on farmers and the wider industry in the area, and I do not underestimate the pressure this places on those affected. I am very grateful for their continued constructive engagement as we work together to introduce an effective control strategy while minimising restrictions on businesses as far as possible. We will ensure that control measures are proportionate. This is a dynamic situation while further investigations are carried out, and we will continue to monitor it closely, considering further control measures as necessary in partnership with industry.

"Vaccination remains our best long-term defence, and I would strongly encourage all farmers to discuss this with their vets and place vaccine orders now to ensure access to supplies. We continue to work with other UK nations, manufacturers and distributors to ensure timely access to vaccine, with more doses being brought in from continental Europe and additional supplies now in production."

Background

The case in Lockerbie affects two lambs.

Bluetongue is a virus spread by insects, mainly Culicoides midges. It is a disease of ruminant livestock and does not affect humans or food safety. Signs include nasal discharge, redness and swelling of the lips, nose and muzzle, lameness / reluctance to stand, milk drop (decreased production) and diarrhoea in cattle. It is notifiable and suspicion of disease in animals should be reported to APHA Scotland.

Further information on the Temporary Bluetongue Control Zone, including a map of the area covered, latest information on case numbers, the existing licensing restrictions, and updates on bluetongue Latest situation - Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot