Deadly 'bluetongue' livestock virus confirmed in Scotland

NewsScottish NewsAnimalsThe infected animal has been euthanised on welfare grounds.14:43, 11 Aug 2026A potentially deadly livestock virus has been found in Scotland.‌The case of BTV-3, also known as bluetongue, was confirmed in Dumfries and Galloway on August 8. The infected animal has been euthanised on welfare grounds while farm affected has been placed under restrictions.‌Tests were conducted following reports of clinical signs and symptoms. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to establish the source of infection.‌There have been 289 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the UK in the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season. Of those, 283 are in England.The bluetongue virus primarily affects sheep, cattle and goats and is mainly spread through biting midges. Symptoms include nasal dis