A new Restricted Zone for bluetongue will be established in south-west Scotland after evidence emerged that the disease is circulating in the area.
The Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone currently covering the area will be replaced by a Restricted Zone from Thursday, September 10.
The change means livestock including cattle, sheep and other susceptible ruminants will still require a licence if they are being moved out of the Restricted Zone to the rest of Scotland.
However, a number of restrictions on animal movements will be eased from the same date as dropping temperatures reduce the risk of the disease spreading.
Store, fattening and non-pregnant female animals will no longer need to be tested or vaccinated to move from the Restricted Zone to the disease-free area of Scotland.
Some breeding animals will still require vaccination and testing before they can leave the zone.
Minister for agriculture, marine and the islands Jim Fairlie said the decision followed evidence that the disease had become established in the affected area.
“We have been doing all we can to stop bluetongue getting a foothold but the evidence now is regrettably showing us that the disease is circulating in south-west Scotland, meaning that legally we have to make that area a Restricted Zone.
“What this shows is that the disease is not going away any time soon, and industry should start to prepare for the disease gaining a permanent hold within the rest of Scotland.
“I recognise that this is an extremely difficult time for farmers and the wider industry and we are continuing to work closely with them on how we deal with the disease in Scotland for the longer term.
“While we have no choice but to establish a Restricted Zone, the risk of spread reduces during the colder months. That is why, after listening to industry feedback, we remain able to continue to change restrictions on the movement of some animals out of the zone from September 10.
“What will not change is that vaccination is the only viable long-term strategy for controlling bluetongue. As such, I would urge anyone with susceptible livestock to speak to their vet as soon as possible, both to discuss the right approach for their animals and to make sure vaccine is available when it is needed.”
The Temporary Control Zone was originally created to prevent bluetongue from gaining a foothold in Scotland.
With evidence now showing that the disease is circulating within the area, the Scottish Government is legally required to establish a Restricted Zone.
Livestock showing clinical signs of bluetongue must not be moved out of or within the Restricted Zone.
Farmers and livestock keepers are being urged to remain alert to signs of the disease.
Anyone who sees an animal showing clinical signs of bluetongue must report it immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
The Scottish Government said restrictions will continue to change as dropping temperatures reduce the risk of disease spreading.
Otherwise susceptible livestock moving between the Scottish Restricted Zone in south-west Scotland and other Restricted Zones in place in the rest of Great Britain will not be subject to bluetongue movement restrictions.
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