Second case of bluetongue detected in Scotland
Two farms are now under restriction and affected animals have been euthanised.
Bluetongue has been detected on a second farm in south-west Scotland, the chief veterinary officer has confirmed.
The disease, which affects ruminant livestock like sheep and cows, was first detected on Kirkambreck Farm near Newton Stewart, in Dumfries and Galloway, on August 8.
A single lamb was affected.
A second case of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) was confirmed in two sheep on a different farm on Wednesday.
The Scottish Government confirmed both farms have been put under restrictions, and all affected animals have been euthanised.
Chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas said: “Bluetongue has been detected on a second farm in south-west Scotland involving two sheep.
“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.”
In a post on social media on Wednesday evening, the Johnson family, which owns Kirkambreck Farm, confirmed all their other animals had tested negative for the disease.
“Obviously that’s not so say we will not have any further cases but for the time being the rest are OK, and can return the grazing as they should,” the post continued.
“We will still be under movement restrictions (understandably) and will hear, hopefully in the next few days how long they will remain in place.
“But for now at least we can breath a sigh of relief that we caught it early and hope and pray that our neighbours remain unaffected.”
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.