A bluetongue outbreak has spread across south-west Scotland with 19 farms now confirmed to have been affected by the livestock disease.
The latest Scottish Government figures show 79 animals have tested positive for the BTV-3 strain of the virus – 62 cattle and 17 sheep.
Cases have now been detected at farms and other holdings across Dumfries and Galloway and surrounding areas, including near Lockerbie, Dumfries, Newton Stewart, Kirkcudbright, Dalbeattie, Annan, Canonbie, Twynholm and Castle Douglas.
The outbreak has expanded considerably since the middle of August. Scotland’s first confirmed case of the 2026/27 outbreak season was detected near Newton Stewart on 8 August.
Further cases were confirmed near Newton Stewart on 12 and 14 August before the disease was detected near Lockerbie on 19 August.
A Temporary Control Zone remains in place across part of south-west Scotland in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus.
Farmers within the zone have been subject to restrictions on moving susceptible livestock, including cattle and sheep, while surveillance and testing have been increased.
Keepers within the zone are also required to maintain an up-to-date inventory of susceptible animals, including those which have died and those known or suspected to be infected.
Moving animals into, out of or within the zone is prohibited unless it takes place under the conditions of an appropriate licence.
Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease affecting cattle, sheep and other ruminants including goats and deer, as well as camelids such as llamas and alpacas.
It does not affect humans and there is no risk to food safety.
Sheep are particularly vulnerable and can suffer symptoms including ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose, discharge from the eyes and nose and swelling of the lips, tongue, head and neck. Cattle can also experience long-term problems with productivity and fertility.
The virus is predominantly transmitted by biting midges.
The Scottish Government has warned that the risk of bluetongue spreading further across Scotland is increasing.
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie has urged livestock keepers to review their vaccination plans and warned there is a “very high likelihood” that cases could emerge in new parts of the country during the next season.
Vaccination is regarded as the best way of protecting livestock against the worst effects of the disease, with BTV-3 vaccines authorised for use in Scotland.
The government has also announced changes to movement restrictions following discussions with the farming industry. From 10 September, most cattle, sheep and goats will no longer need vaccination or a PCR test before moving from the south-west Temporary Control Zone into disease-free areas of Scotland.
Stricter controls will continue to apply to susceptible livestock being brought into Scotland from bluetongue restricted areas elsewhere in the UK.
England is experiencing by far the largest outbreak. There have been 694 affected premises this season, with cases now geographically widespread.