First cow tests positive for bluetongue virus in Scotland

The first case of the potentially fatal bluetongue virus in a cow has been confirmed in Scotland.

The National Farmers Union Scotland said the animal tested positive on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway.

It is the fourth farm to be affected by the virus in the Creetown area. Bluetongue was confirmed in a lamb and three sheep on three farms last week.

The virus is transmitted by insects like midges and experts believe an infected plume has brought the virus to Scotland from outbreaks in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man or the north of England.

NFU Scotland said more than 100 animals had been tested in area around Creetown, with all other results coming back negative.

They added that it may be "a week or so" before there is a clear picture of whether the disease is circulating.

It said the Scottish government does not intend to introduce a disease control zone at this point "as it currently considers prevalence to be low".

Should one be introduced then no susceptible animals or carcasses would be permitted to move to or from any premises within the zone, except under licence issued by a veterinary inspector.

Such a move is likely to be short-lived.

According to figures published by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs on Sunday there have been 447 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the UK in the current season.

This includes 430 in England and 13 in Wales.

Vets in Scotland have reported a surge in demand for vaccinations since the first case involving a sheep on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway was confirmed.