FARMERS IN Scotland have been advised to be alert for signs of bluetongue virus following concern over a batch of cattle imported here from France.

Attention has focussed on a lorryload of Montbeliarde dairy cattle that entered the UK earlier this month destined for four farms in England, in Preston and Kendal, and Scotland, in Dumfries and Stirling.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency picked up the presence of the virus in some of those animals through its post-import testing regime, and movement restrictions were immediately placed on all premises that received cattle from the consignment.

However, the single bull sent to Stirling has since tested clear of the virus, and the Scottish importer, speaking anonymously to The Scottish Farmer, has insisted that all 10 cattle he brought over were clean and vaccinated against the disease, and had been caught up in the 'knee-jerk' reaction to the positive virus result in some of the cattle they were transported alongside, which were from a separate batch destined for England.

While three of the nine Montbeliarde heifers consigned to Dumfries had already been culled, the importer claimed that this had been an official over-reaction because of antibodies present due to their recent vaccination, and suggested that when their vaccination paperwork was verified, the other six would be declared disease free and spared.

However, the incident has already revived the debate over sourcing cattle from countries where disease is known to be circulating. In her original statement on the importation, Scotlands Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said: "A total of 10 animals were imported from the same assembly centre in France – an area where multiple cases of bluetongue have been confirmed in recent times – and we are working closely with affected farms and stakeholders to contain the virus.

“While I am pleased with our robust disease surveillance procedures have worked, the identification offers a timely reminder to farmers for the need to remain vigilant and of the risks of importing animals from disease-affected areas into their herds."

NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick commented: “The discovery of bluetongue in imported cattle is a real concern for Scottish livestock keepers and underlines the need for vigilance, responsible sourcing and appropriate support and resources being directed to our veterinary surveillance system to monitor and stamp out the disease as soon as possible.

“BTV8 virus has been spreading in France for some time. It was unlikely that midge borne infection would reach Scotland this year – importation always presented the greatest risk. The risks presented by importing animals from affected areas, even when all rules are believed to have been followed, are now all too apparent.”

Great Britain is officially a free area from bluetongue, with the last outbreak occurring in the South of England in 2007. Compensation is not paid for any imported animals culled under the Trade in Animals and Related Products regulations.