The first case of Bluetongue has been confirmed in an animal on a farm outside Creetown, Kirkmabreck, in South West Scotland.
Bluetongue (BTV) is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges, which affects all ruminants (e.g. sheep, cattle, goats and deer) and camelids (e.g. llama and alpaca).
In the UK the number of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season. cases is as follows:
- 326 cases in England
- 7 cases in Wales
- 1 case in Scotland
- 0 cases in Northern Ireland
There are currently 1,524 potential cases of bluetongue under investigation. These are premises that have reported suspicious clinical signs and are under investigation.
Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported, Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for up to 3 affected animals.
NFU Scotland said:
“With BTV-3 now confirmed in Scotland, our message on vaccination is clear. We strongly encourage livestock keepers to vaccinate susceptible animals, with those in the South of Scotland taking particular priority, and to speak to their vet about vaccination as soon as possible.
It is important that the Scottish Government takes swift and effective steps to ascertain the scale and likely source of infection and, if necessary, puts appropriate controls in place to prevent spread outwith the local area through animal movements. This could include establishing appropriate disease control zones, movement controls and robust surveillance and testing.
Keepers should remain vigilant for signs of disease in their animals. Where bluetongue is suspected in Scotland, livestock keepers must report the suspicion to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which will advise on investigation and testing requirements.
We will continue to work closely with affected members and the Scottish Government as more information becomes available and will keep members updated as the situation develops.”
Midges spread bluetongue. The control period for this active season is 1 June to 9 September 2026.
During this period, it is usually warm enough for midges to spread the disease from an infected animal to another susceptible animal. This control period is based on the best available science and veterinary risk assessments. It sets a balance between uncertainty about the weather and permitting industry to plan.
The dates may change if weather conditions are significantly different from usual or the bluetongue situation changes. – The Scottish Government, Bluetongue.
Vaccination is the best strategy to protect stock, and it is strongly recommended that livestock keepers consider it, and seek advice from their vet.