Potentially deadly bluetongue virus found in Scotland for first time
The bluetongue virus (BTV3) has been detected in Scotland for the first time, following an isolated case in a sheep in Dumfries and Galloway. Authorities have implemented movement restrictions and are urging farmers to vaccinate their livestock to prevent further spread.
Why it matters
The arrival of this virus in Scotland poses a significant threat to the agricultural sector and animal welfare.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Nichola Rutherford BBC Scotland, Dumfries Getty Images The virus was detected in a sheep in Dumfries and Galloway The potentially deadly bluetongue virus has been recorded in livestock in Scotland for the first time.
A single case of the virus was detected in a single sheep on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway last week.
The Scottish government said the animal had been euthanised on welfare grounds and restrictions had been put on the farm.
It is one of 289 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV3) in the UK in the 2026/27 season - most of them in the south-west of England.
The Scottish Farmer has reported that the farm found to have BTV3 is near Creetown in Dumfries and Galloway.
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