Bluetongue restrictions extended across Scotland

Restrictions on moving animals like sheep and cows because of the Bluetongue virus are being extended to cover the whole of Scotland.

Until now, the rules have covered a zone in the south-west of the country where nearly all the cases are concentrated.

However, this week cases were detected in Aberdeenshire and Angus, as well as South Lanarkshire.

Farmers have been involved in deciding on the change, which come into force from Saturday.

The Scottish Government say it will simplify selling cows and sheep at auction and moving them around the country ahead of the busy autumn trading period.

Joint Government and industry communications group set-up

Holyrood ministers have outlined how the decision follows agreement with key industry representatives, including the National Farmers’ Union Scotland, National Sheep Association, Scottish Beef Association, the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers Scotland and Quality Meat Scotland, that extending the zone is now the right approach.

Some bluetongue-related conditions will remain in place, such as the requirement that animals should not be moved when displaying clinical signs of the disease.

A joint Scottish Government and industry communications group is also being established to promote vaccination and to share advice on the impacts of the disease with farmers and veterinary practitioners.

After a restricted zone in south-west Scotland was set up, the disease has been detected on 40 premises.

The Government has said that affected farms are under movement restrictions and cooler temperatures mean there is lower opportunity for onward transmission.

Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands Jim Fairlie says their long term approach for tackling this disease does not change.

He said: "Extending the Restricted Zone to cover the whole of Scotland is a practical, sensible step that reflects the reality of the situation we now face.

"It recognises that bluetongue is not going away any time soon, while removing an administrative burden on farmers at what is a critical time in the trading calendar.

"This decision has been agreed with industry, who saw no reason to delay, allowing businesses time to plan accordingly.

"I want to thank them for their continued constructive engagement as we've worked through our response to what I know has been a very difficult time for farmers.

"While extending the zone removes the need for movement licences, it does not change our long-term approach to tackling this disease.

"Vaccination remains the single most effective way for farmers to protect their animals from the worst effects of bluetongue, and I would strongly encourage anyone with susceptible livestock to speak to their vet now to discuss the right vaccination approach and to secure supplies ahead of next year's higher-risk season."

Michael Priestley, policy manager for the National Sheep Association, said the organisation supports the decision to simplify trading rules at this time of the year as risk of transmission decreases as temperatures fall.

Neil Shand, chief executive of the Scottish Beef Association said: “The Scottish Beef Association think that this is the most logical way forward to prevent trade complications, the overall message on bluetongue remains the same, and that is the only way to protect your cattle fully is to vaccinate.”

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.