The ewes will start to lamb from April 10
The Scottish Government has confirmed that the temporary winter easements introduced to facilitate livestock movements will end on May 31, with stricter requirements returning during the higher-risk midge season.
From June 1, all of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man will be treated as Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV-3) Restricted Zones for the purposes of moving susceptible livestock into Scotland.
The move comes as Scotland seeks to maintain its disease-free status amid continued bluetongue activity further south. Hundreds of cases have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current outbreak, although no cases have been detected in Scotland.
New licence requirements
Movements of susceptible species, including cattle, sheep, goats, deer, alpacas and llamas, into Scotland will be subject to revised licensing conditions under the new general licence EXD608(EW).
The seasonal restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of infected animals introducing the virus during the period when biting midges, which spread bluetongue, are most active.
During the winter vector-low period, some categories of livestock were able to move into Scotland without testing. However, from June 1, additional safeguards will once again apply.
Testing and vaccination
Under the revised arrangements, many animals moving from restricted zones into Scotland will require pre-movement testing. In certain cases, approved vaccination against BTV-3 may be accepted as an alternative to testing, subject to licence conditions.
Farmers purchasing breeding stock, store cattle, sheep or other susceptible livestock from elsewhere in Great Britain are being advised to check movement requirements carefully before arranging transport.
Industry advisers have warned that the changes could affect marketing plans and livestock sales throughout the summer, particularly for producers sourcing replacement breeding animals from England and Wales.
Disease threat remains
Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting ruminants and camelids. While it does not pose a risk to human health or food safety, it can cause significant production losses, reduced fertility and mortality in affected animals.
Scottish ministers say the renewed controls are necessary to minimise the risk of the virus becoming established north of the border during the peak midge season.
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The restrictions are currently expected to remain in place until September 9, although authorities have indicated they will continue to monitor the disease situation and review measures as required.
Livestock keepers planning cross-border movements are encouraged to consult the latest guidance and licensing requirements before animals are moved.
English / Welsh livestock sold in Scotland
Sheep
- Must have a negative PCR test within 7 days before travelling to Scotland.
Cattle
- Two options:
• Fully vaccinated with Bultavo-3 (21 days after final dose) No test required
• Unvaccinated or other vaccine - PCR test within 7 days required
Scottish livestock sold in England/Wales brought back to Scotland
No test needed to travel to the sale.
If cattle or sheep are in England/Wales 4 days or less:
• They can return to Scotland
• Isolation on return is strongly advised
• Post-movement test recommended
If cattle or sheep stay more than 4 days:
• PCR test required in England/Wales before returning to Scotland
Vaccinated cattle (Bultavo-3) are exempt from PCR testing when returning.
