Scotland confirms third bluetongue case as midge-borne outbreak spreads
Scotland has confirmed its first-ever cases of bluetongue virus, with three infected animals identified across two farms in Dumfries and Galloway. All affected livestock have been euthanized, and the farms are under strict movement restrictions. Officials attribute the outbreak to infected midges migrating from affected areas in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, or northern England. While the virus does not affect human food safety, it poses severe risks to sheep and cattle, causing high mortality rates and fertility issues. Authorities are urging immediate vaccination, though supply constraints remain a challenge for UK farmers.