A QUARANTINE zone for livestock has been put in place in Dumfries and Galloway as a precautionary measure after another case of bluetongue disease was detected.
The Scottish Government announced that a Temporary Control Zone would be put in place after a case of the potentially deadly disease bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) was detected near Lockerbie.
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.
It is understood that two lambs were found to have the disease. Officials are now investigating the source and extent of the disease in the area.
There will be also be increased surveillance and testing of animals nearby, the Scottish Government said.
Additionally, from Saturday, August 22, 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.
Jim Fairlie, the Scottish Government's Minister for Agriculture, 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."
The Scottish Government said it 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.
The first case of the potentially deadly disease, bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3), was confirmed in Dumfries and Galloway on August 8.
The Scottish Government said the animal has been euthanised on welfare grounds, and the farm affected is under restrictions.
A second case of bluetongue was confirmed in two sheep on a different farm in south west Scotland on August 12.
It emerged that a case on a third farm had been detected in the south of Scotland, less than 2km from the other two premises.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease affecting ruminant livestock, including sheep and cattle. It does not affect humans or food safety.
Signs can include nasal discharge, redness and swelling of the lips, nose and muzzle, lameness or reluctance to stand, reduced milk production and diarrhoea in cattle.
Farmers who suspect bluetongue in their animals should report it immediately to their local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Field Services office.
