{"id":741137,"date":"2026-08-17T20:12:12","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T20:12:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/741137\/"},"modified":"2026-08-17T20:12:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T20:12:12","slug":"first-cow-tests-positive-for-potentially-deadly-livestock-bluetongue-virus-in-scotland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/741137\/","title":{"rendered":"First cow tests positive for potentially deadly livestock bluetongue virus in Scotland"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first cow has tested positive for the potentially deadly bluetongue virus in Scotland.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the fifth animal to test positive for bluetongue, or BTV-3, in Scotland.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) was then confirmed in two sheep on a different farm on Wednesday, August 12.<\/p>\n

The fourth case was found in a sheep on premises on Friday, August 14.<\/p>\n

The Scottish Government confirmed all four affected farms are under restriction while investigations, including testing on other animals, is ongoing.<\/p>\n

The NFU said more than 100 animals in the area have now been tested, with all other results coming back negative.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Scotland\u2019s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Jesus Gallego said: \u201cBluetongue has been detected on a fourth farm in south west Scotland involving a cow.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll four farms are under restriction while investigations, including testing other susceptible animals, are ongoing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt this stage there is no evidence that bluetongue is circulating in Scotland.<\/p>\n

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

Bluetongue only affects animals and does not affect humans or food safety. It is mainly spread by biting midges.<\/p>\n

It is a notifiable disease, meaning any suspected cases are legally required to be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

It is also potentially fatal for affected animals.<\/p>\n

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