The first cases of bluetongue virus in livestock have been confirmed in Scotland.

Scotland's Chief Veterinary Officer, Sheila Voas, has confirmed the detection of bluetongue virus (BTV3) in the region. The first affected holding was the Johnson family's Kirkmabreck farm, located near Creetown (Dumfries and Galloway), where a lamb was diagnosed with the disease. Later, the veterinary service identified two more infected livestock animals on a neighboring farm.

According to Sheila Voas, the emergence of the virus was most likely caused by the transport of infected insects from affected areas: Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, or northern England. Experts note that the current situation regarding the spread of the disease through the midge population was expected. At the moment, the veterinary service continues to inspect nearby holdings, although the total number of identified infected individuals remains small.

The Johnson family, who moved to Scotland four months ago, has taken safety measures: the entire farm's livestock has been moved indoors. The owners specified that all their livestock were purchased locally, within a 32 km radius of their location.

Bluetongue virus affects cattle, sheep, and goats. Symptoms of BTV3 include swelling and redness of the muzzle, nasal discharge, diarrhea in cows, lameness and reluctance to move, as well as a decrease in milk yield. The disease does not pose a threat to humans or food safety, but it can lead to high mortality rates among sheep and fertility issues in cattle. There is no specific treatment — only supportive therapy is used, so prevention remains the primary method of control.

In the current 2026/27 season, 353 cases of BTV3 have been registered in the UK, predominantly in the south-west of England. The Animal and Plant Health Agency links the surge in incidence to hot and humid weather, which contributes to the growth of the midge population — the vectors of the virus. In Scotland, bluetongue virus is on the list of diseases that must be compulsorily reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.