Four farms in Creetown, Scotland, have been affected by bluetongue in just over a week, with the total number of cases in Scotland now standing at four. This includes the first cow to test positive for the disease in the region.
The initial case was identified in a lamb belonging to farmer Fiona Johnson, who had recently moved to Creetown. Experts believe infected midges may have been carried over the border from England, where 439 cases are currently reported.
Scotland's chief veterinary officer, Sheila Voas, has urged farmers to vaccinate their sheep and cattle. However, some veterinary practices, such as Ark Vet Centre in Lockerbie, have reported that vaccine supplies quickly ran out, with 20,000 doses disappearing in 48 hours.
Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV3) does not affect humans or food safety, but it can cause high death rates in infected sheep and fertility issues in infected cattle. All animals that have tested positive for the virus in Scotland have been euthanised.
John Cowan, regional manager for NFU Scotland, stated that restrictions on animal movement could have a significant financial and welfare impact on farmers.