Farmers in control zone seek support with bluetongue restrictions

Fairlie said the Scottish government’s aim from the outset had been to put in place “proportionate measures” to control the spread of bluetongue while minimising the impact on business “as much as possible”.

“I want to thank farmers, vets, NFU Scotland and other stakeholders across the industry for their co-operation and tireless work in helping to control the spread of this disease,” he said.

“Their vigilance in reporting cases, collaboration with surveillance and testing, and adherence to the restriction zones have made a real difference, and the resilience shown throughout has been remarkable.”

He said it would continue work with everyone involved to manage the situation so it could act “swiftly and transparently as the situation develops”.

BTV-3 does not affect people or food safety, but it causes a high rate of death in infected sheep and fertility problems in infected cattle.

Symptoms include nasal discharge, redness and swelling of the lips, nose and muzzle, lameness or reluctance to stand, a decrease in milk production and diarrhoea in cattle.