To ask the Scottish Government, further to the announcement that Scotland has its first recorded case of bluetongue virus, what contingency measures it has in place to address this development, and what measures it will take to prevent any further outbreak of the disease.
Scottish Government has published, in partnership with Defra and Welsh Government, the GB Bluetongue Virus Disease Control Strategy. This strategy has been adapted by all three administrations to respond to the current circulation of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3).
As part of that strategy a localised Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) was declared in parts of South-West Scotland on 20 August 2026 following the detection of BTV-3 on several holdings in that area. The zone imposes movement controls on susceptible animals to help contain undisclosed pockets of disease within the area whilst surveillance is undertaken. All affected farms were placed under official movement restriction while veterinary investigations are undertaken.
Several animal movement licences have been made available to allow movements on and off premises within the TCZ. These licences aim to provide a balance between disease prevention, and minimise impacts caused by the restrictions such as animal welfare and economic harm. These licences and further information can be found on Bluetongue movement restrictions for animals - Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease - gov…
Scottish Government also announced the tightening of some controls following a sudden and significant rise in cases in parts of England, reducing the time animals could travel from the free areas of Scotland to a Restricted Zone (RZ) and return again from four days to a single day. Animals arriving in the RZ must be unloaded after sunrise and loaded before sunset.
From 10 September 2026, certain BTV susceptible breeding animals traveling from a RZ area to Scotland to live must be vaccinated with any BTV-3 product and be PCR tested within seven days of the movement with negative results received prior to any movement. Only cattle vaccinated with a vaccine that prevents viremia would be exempt from any testing requirements.
Scottish Government will continue to engage with industry organisations to ensure the control strategy remains fit for purpose and it will be kept under constant review to ensure the right balance between disease control and movement restriction.
Vaccination remains our best long-term defence, and keepers are strongly encouraged to discuss this option with their vets and place vaccine orders now to ensure access to supplies. We continue to work together with other UK nations, manufacturers and distributors to ensure timely access to the vaccine, with more doses being brought in from continental Europe and additional supplies now in production.
