Farmers urged to vaccinate animals as bluetongue restrictions extended

Farmers have been urged to vaccinate their animals as bluetongue restrictions in Scotland were extended.

Part of South-West Scotland was already in a restricted zone after cases of the disease were found in the region in August.

But from Saturday, restrictions were expanded across the country, meaning the movement of livestock such as sheep and cattle will only be allowed under licence.

Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said the only way Scotland’s herd and flocks will be protected is through vaccination.

He said: “Given the position that we’re in now, at the time of the year we’re in at the moment, I think we just have to accept the fact that the disease is now in Scotland and the only way we’re going to be able to protect the national herds and the national flocks is by vaccination.

“So this gives us time now, gives the community time to start planning ahead.”

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More than 100 cases of the disease, which affects livestock such as sheep and cows, have been found across Scotland.

Around 40 farms have been affected, from Aberdeenshire to Dumfries.

The new measures mean the whole country has the same disease status, which is expected to make trading and movement easier.

Bluetongue is mainly caused by certain species of midges, and doesn’t affect humans or food safety.

But it has a real financial impact on farmers and their livestock.

Farming groups are also urging people to get their animals vaccinated.

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Neil Shand from the Scottish Beef Association said: “If we look at what’s going on in the Netherlands, lets use them as the best example, in 2024, they vaccinated around about 90% of their whole livestock population of cattle and sheep.

“In 2025, they didn’t have a single case reported. So you can manage and control the disease, but if there’s not enough vaccination done, they will not get it under control.”

The new restrictions mean animals showing signs of the disease must still not be moved.

It also now makes Scotland the same as England and Wales who are also in restricted zones, after cases escalated there over the summer.

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