A case of the potentially deadly livestock virus bluetongue (BTV-3) has been confirmed in Scotland. The infected animal, on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway, was euthanised on welfare grounds, and the affected farm has been placed under restrictions.
Case details and investigations
The case was confirmed on August 8. Tests were conducted following reports of clinical signs and symptoms, and epidemiological investigations are ongoing to establish the source of infection.
There have been 289 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the UK in the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season, with 283 of those in England.
Impact on livestock and farmers
The bluetongue virus primarily affects sheep, cattle and goats and is mainly spread through biting midges. 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.
The disease does not affect people or food safety. It is very different to foot and mouth as it is caused by a blood-borne virus spread by biting insects, not by animals infecting each other. But it is potentially just as serious for farmers because it can cause serious illness and death in animals.
Official response and history
Scotland’s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas told STV News: “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.”
In 2008, the Record reported on the first outbreak of bluetongue in Scotland. The case was confirmed on a Stewartry farm near Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway after a herd of dairy cows were imported from Germany.
Bluetongue was first seen in South Africa and spread to Europe in 1999. It is believed infected midges might have been blown over from the Continent by easterly winds.
