A temporary Bluetongue Control Zone has been put in place in Scotland in an area around Dumfries and Galloway.

From Saturday 22 August, cattle, sheep and goats and other ruminants that are travelling from anywhere in Scotland to the Bluetongue Restricted Zone in place in the rest of the UK must return to Scotland on the same day to minimise the risk of the disease spreading. 

From 10 September, all livestock susceptible to the disease that are being moved from a Bluetongue Restricted Zone in the rest of the UK into Scotland will need to be vaccinated, other than livestock returning to Scotland under the “same day” rule.

There have been five bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) affected holdings in Scotland: 7 Sheep, 13 Cattle.

There are 496 cases of Bluetongue in England, 15 in Wales, and 0 in Northern Ireland. Bluetongue: latest situation. There are currently 2,402 potential cases of bluetongue under investigation in Great Britain. 

The whole of England is in a bluetongue restricted zone. You can move animals within England without a specific bluetongue licence or pre-movement testing.

An all-Wales restricted zone was introduced on 10 November 2025 – livestock movements between England and Wales do not require bluetongue vaccination or mitigation measures.

England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man all have bluetongue virus BTV RZs, and any movement of bluetongue susceptible animals from a BTV RZ to Scotland must comply with the conditions set out in the general movement licence EXD608(EW). These controls came into force on 1 June 2026 and will remain in force until at least 9 September 2026. Check the rules on movements to and from Scotland.

Click on this link for The Latest Situation in Scotland and further information.

The rapid increase in cases in England is serious cause for concern. Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands in the Scottish Government Jim Fairlie said:

“I recognise the significant impact this news will have on farmers and the wider industry in the area, and I do not underestimate the pressure this places on those affected.

“I am very grateful for their continued constructive engagement as we work together to introduce an effective control strategy while minimising restrictions on businesses as far as possible. We will ensure that control measures are proportionate.

“This is a dynamic situation while further investigations are carried out, and we will continue to monitor it closely, considering further control measures as necessary in partnership with industry.

“Vaccination remains our best long-term defence, and I would strongly encourage all farmers to discuss this with their vets and place vaccine orders now to ensure access to supplies.

“We continue to work with other UK nations, manufacturers and distributors to ensure timely access to vaccine, with more doses being brought in from continental Europe and additional supplies now in production.”

Bluetongue is a virus spread by insects, mainly Culicoides midges. It is a disease of ruminant livestock and does not affect humans or food safety. 

BSE

A case of classical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed in a cow on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway.

The case was identified as a result of routine intensive BSE surveillance and stringent control measures that are in place. The animal did not enter the human food chain and Food Standards Scotland have confirmed there is no risk to human health as a result of this isolated case.

NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said:

“While disappointing, and clearly a huge concern for the farmer involved, the identification of an isolated BSE case demonstrates that the stringent surveillance and control measures we have in place are working effectively.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with the farmer affected. They will be doing everything they can to assist the veterinary authorities with their investigation, and NFU Scotland stands ready to support them in any way we can.

“We welcome the clear reassurance that the animal did not enter the human food chain and that there is no risk to human health.

“Scotland has robust measures in place to identify and deal with cases such as this, and the swift detection of this case shows those controls are doing their job.”

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said:

“I want to thank the animal’s owner for their diligence. Their swift action allowed us to identify and isolate the case immediately, minimising its impact on the wider industry.”

Salmonella in Imported Eggs

NFU Scotland is urging consumers and the food service sector to choose Scottish and UK eggs following a serious Salmonella outbreak in which imported eggs are under investigation.

There have been  207 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis across the UK over the past year, including six cases in Scotland. One person has died and more than a third of those affected have required hospital treatment.

NFU Scotland says the outbreak reinforces its longstanding call for imported food to meet standards equivalent to those required of Scottish and UK producers, protecting consumers while ensuring domestic farmers are not undercut by products produced to different standards.

• Check packaging and shell markings for UK or Scottish origin, particularly when buying from smaller or independent retailers. 

• Buy Scottish or UK eggs with confidence, recognising that commercial producers must comply with national Salmonella control requirements whether or not they participate in the British Lion scheme. 

• Ask restaurants, cafés, hotels and other catering businesses where their eggs are sourced and request Scottish or UK eggs. 

• Follow Food Standards Scotland advice on the safe handling and cooking of eggs.