Bluetongue Virus Detected in Scottish Cow for First Time

Scotland has recorded its first confirmed case of bluetongue virus in a cow.

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

The case brings to four the number of farms affected around Creetown. Bluetongue was previously detected in a lamb and three sheep on three farms in the area.

The disease is spread by biting midges. Experts believe infected insects may have reached Scotland from outbreaks in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man or northern England.

More than 100 animals have been tested around Creetown, with all other results returning negative so far.

The National Farmers Union Scotland said it could take about a week to determine whether the virus is circulating in the area.

The Scottish Government currently does not plan to establish a disease control zone, saying the level of infection remains low.

Meanwhile, veterinary practices in Scotland are reporting increased demand for bluetongue vaccinations following the earlier detection of the virus in sheep.

Figures from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs show 447 cases of bluetongue serotype three have been recorded in the UK this season, including 430 in England and 13 in Wales.