First cow tests positive for potentially deadly livestock bluetongue virus in Scotland

The first cow has tested positive for the potentially deadly bluetongue virus in Scotland.

It’s the fifth animal to test positive for bluetongue, or BTV-3, in Scotland.

The National Farmers Union Scotland confirmed the virus has been identified in a bovine animal within 2km of the four other existing cases in the Creetown area of Dumfries and Galloway.

It comes after the Johnson family, who run Kirkmabreck farm, confirmed one of their lambs had the virus on August 8. A single lamb was affected.

Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) was then confirmed in two sheep on a different farm on Wednesday, August 12.

The fourth case was found in a sheep on premises on Friday, August 14.

The NFU said more than 100 animals in the area have now been tested, with all other results coming back negative.

It added it remains too early to determine the full extent of BTV-3 in Scotland, and that vaccination remains the best way for livestock keepers to protect susceptible animals.

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.