{"id":736520,"date":"2026-08-13T09:26:18","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T09:26:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/736520\/"},"modified":"2026-08-13T09:26:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T09:26:18","slug":"more-cases-of-potentially-deadly-livestock-virus-detected-in-scotland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/736520\/","title":{"rendered":"More cases of potentially deadly livestock virus detected in Scotland"},"content":{"rendered":"

The potentially deadly bluetongue virus has been detected in two sheep on a second farm in South West Scotland.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Both farms are under restrictions while testing of other animals takes place.<\/p>\n

All known affected animals have been euthanised.<\/p>\n

There have been 353 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the UK in the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Most of those are in the southwest of England.<\/p>\n

The Johnson family confirmed on Facebook that the lamb was penned away from the rest of the flock when it became unwell.<\/p>\n

The post said: \u201cDuring 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

They also said all their stock had been moved indoors to minimise the risk of it spreading.<\/p>\n

They added: \u201cI just want to clarify that all the stock we have was purchased locally, within 20 miles of where we live.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing came up with us from England apart from dogs and of course our children!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Scottish Government said: \u201cBoth farms are under restriction while investigations, including testing other susceptible animals, are ongoing.<\/p>\n

\u201cVaccination remains the best way of preventing disease in animals and I encourage all farmers to discuss this with their vets.\u201d<\/p>\n

The bluetongue virus primarily affects sheep, cattle and goats and is mainly spread through insects.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

It does not affect people or food safety.<\/p>\n

Scotland\u2019s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas said: \u201cVaccination remains the best way of preventing disease in animals, and I encourage all farmers to discuss this with their vets.\u201d<\/p>\n

BTV-3 is notifiable and any suspicion of disease in animals must be reported to Animal and Plant Health Agency Scotland.<\/p>\n

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