More cases of potentially deadly livestock virus detected in Scotland

The potentially deadly bluetongue virus has been detected in two sheep on a second farm in South West Scotland.

It comes after the Johnson family, who run Kirkmabreck farm in Dumfries and Galloway confirmed one of their lambs had the virus on August 8.

Both farms are under restrictions while testing of other animals takes place.

All known affected animals have been euthanised.

There have been 353 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the UK in the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season.

Most of those are in the southwest of England.

The Johnson family confirmed on Facebook that the lamb was penned away from the rest of the flock when it became unwell.

The post said: “During the visit the vet noticed ulceration inside her mouth and we all agreed that even though the closest reported case of Bluetongue was a long distance from us, the sensible and responsible thing to do was to report it as a possibility.”

They also said all their stock had been moved indoors to minimise the risk of it spreading.

They added: “I just want to clarify that all the stock we have was purchased locally, within 20 miles of where we live.

“Nothing came up with us from England apart from dogs and of course our children!”

The Scottish Government said: “Both farms are 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.”

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

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: “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.