Potentially deadly livestock virus found in Scotland for the first time

A case of the bluetongue virus has been recorded in livestock in Scotland for the first time.

The potentially deadly disease, BTV-3, or bluetongue, 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.

The animal was tested following reports of suspicious clinical signs, and epidemiological investigations are ongoing to establish the likely source of infection.

There have been 289 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the UK in the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season.

283 of those are in England, with most in the south-west of the country.

The bluetongue virus primarily affects sheep, cattle and goats and is mainly spread through biting midges.

Signs of the virus 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 does not affect people or food safety.

Scotland’s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas said: “At this stage it is not possible to know if bluetongue is circulating in Scotland, or whether this is an individual case.

“The farm is under restriction while investigations, including testing other susceptible animals, are ongoing.

“Vaccination remains the best way of preventing disease in animals, and I encourage all farmers to discuss this with their vets.”

BTV-3 is notifiable and any suspicion of disease in animals must be reported to Animal and Plant Health Agency Scotland.