Bluetongue detected in Scotland
Scotland has reported its first case of the bluetongue virus. It was discovered in a herd of 35 cattle imported from Bremen in Germany, however, only one animal has tested positive for the disease and, as it was imported, the country’s 'free area' status will remain in place.
Movement restrictions have been imposed on the farm near Kirkcudbright and the infected animal will be culled to minimise the risk of disease spreading.
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment said:
"Although this is the kind of news that our farmers have been dreading especially after a very challenging year, it is important to bear in mind that, given the circumstances of this case, Scotland continues to remain free of bluetongue disease. The facts are that we are currently only talking of one imported animal that has tested positive out of 35 that were imported and this case has arisen at a time of year when the chances of the disease circulating are low.”
Until 2006 the disease, had only ever affected livestock in Mediterranean countries, however, it has spread to northern Europe in the past year and has already been detected in animals in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, northern France, the Netherlands and even as far north as Scandinavia.
