THE number of bluetongue virus cases confirmed in Scotland has risen as a temporary control zone (TCZ) has been put in place in south-west Scotland.
According to an update from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on Saturday, there have been eight confirmed cases of the potentially fatal disease in animals across farms in Dumfries and Galloway.
The disease, which affects ruminant livestock such as sheep and cows, was first detected on Kirkambreck farm near Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway, on August 8.
Across the UK, there have been 556 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season – including the eight cases in Scotland.
Temporary restrictions have since been introduced on the movement of animals in an area around Dumfries and Galloway to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Scottish Government announced on Thursday that it was strengthening bluetongue disease controls after a case was detected near Lockerbie.
All movement of livestock such as cattle, sheep and other susceptible animals 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.
From Saturday, 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 also 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 September 10, 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 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,” Scottish agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said.
“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.”
Fairlie continued: “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.”
The agriculture minister said vaccination remains the “best long-term defence” against the virus, and he encouraged all farmers to discuss it 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,” Fairlie said.
“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.”
Bluetongue only affects animals and does not affect humans or food safety.
It is mainly spread by biting midges.
It is a notifiable disease, meaning any suspected cases are legally required to be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Symptoms include nasal discharge, redness and swelling of the lips, nose and muzzle, lameness or reluctance to stand, decreased milk production and diarrhoea in cattle.
It is also potentially fatal for affected animals.
