Bluetongue livestock movement restrictions eased in parts of Scotland

The rules around moving some livestock in south-west Scotland are set to change from September 10, the Scottish Government has announced.

Farmers in the Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) in Dumfries and Galloway have been working under movement restrictions since at least nine sheep and 58 cattle were confirmed to have bluetongue in the area.

Creetown, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright and Lockerbie have all been affected.

More recently, cases of bluetongue were also confirmed south of the border in Cumbria, including in Carlisle and Millom.

Following a further assessment of the current bluetongue situation, the Scottish Government has announced changes to the movement rules.

Store, fattening and non-pregnant female animals will no longer need to be vaccinated to move from the control zone to disease-free areas of Scotland.

The changes will come into effect from September 10, as colder weather is expected to reduce the risk of transmission by lowering midge activity.

However, some breeding animals will still need to be vaccinated and tested before they can leave the zone.

Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said vaccination remains the only viable long-term strategy for controlling bluetongue and urged anyone with susceptible livestock to speak to their vet as soon as possible.

He said: “We have listened to feedback from farmers and are updating our approach to movement controls within the south-west Scotland control zone. From September 10, store, fattening and non-pregnant female animals will no longer need to be vaccinated to leave the zone, though some breeding animals will still require vaccination before any movement out of the area.

“The risk of bluetongue spreading further across Scotland is increasing. I would ask all animal keepers in Scotland to review their vaccination plans and prepare for the very high likelihood that cases may emerge in new parts of the country next season.

“Vaccination remains the only viable long-term strategy for controlling bluetongue. I would urge anyone with susceptible livestock to speak to their vet as soon as possible to discuss the right approach for their animals.”