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Virus fears for Scots livestock Virus fears for Scots livestock
(about 2 hours later)
There is growing concern that the potentially devastating livestock virus bluetongue could reach Scotland.There is growing concern that the potentially devastating livestock virus bluetongue could reach Scotland.
It follows the discovery of the first case of the disease to reach UK shores in a Highland cow at a Suffolk farm.It follows the discovery of the first case of the disease to reach UK shores in a Highland cow at a Suffolk farm.
The virus, which has killed livestock across Europe, is transmitted between animals by midge and can affect sheep, cattle, deer and goats but not humans.The virus, which has killed livestock across Europe, is transmitted between animals by midge and can affect sheep, cattle, deer and goats but not humans.
The National Farmers' Union in Scotland has described it as a "worrying development".The National Farmers' Union in Scotland has described it as a "worrying development".
President Jim McLaren told BBC Scotland that if the disease gets a foothold north of the border, there will be serious economic losses for the livestock sector.President Jim McLaren told BBC Scotland that if the disease gets a foothold north of the border, there will be serious economic losses for the livestock sector.
He added: "It's another real body blow. The affect on Scotland's farmers tends to revolve around movement restrictions and we've still got on-going restrictions from the foot and mouth catastrophe.He added: "It's another real body blow. The affect on Scotland's farmers tends to revolve around movement restrictions and we've still got on-going restrictions from the foot and mouth catastrophe.
"To have this now arriving as well is really worrying indeed.""To have this now arriving as well is really worrying indeed."
The Scottish Government said it was monitoring the situation closely and added there were no immediate consequences for Scotland.The Scottish Government said it was monitoring the situation closely and added there were no immediate consequences for Scotland.
A spokesman added: "Bluetongue can have a significant effect on the livestock sector and our best defence is good biosecurity and vigilance for signs of disease.A spokesman added: "Bluetongue can have a significant effect on the livestock sector and our best defence is good biosecurity and vigilance for signs of disease.
"Any suspicion should be immediately reported to the local animal health office.""Any suspicion should be immediately reported to the local animal health office."
Environment Minister Richard Lochead urged farmers to check their animals.Environment Minister Richard Lochead urged farmers to check their animals.
"This is a disease that is spread by midges and we're now reaching the time where the weather is turning a bit colder so the timing is maybe fortunate for Scotland however we cannot be complacent.""This is a disease that is spread by midges and we're now reaching the time where the weather is turning a bit colder so the timing is maybe fortunate for Scotland however we cannot be complacent."
Flu-like symptomsFlu-like symptoms
Scotland's Chief Veterinary Officer, Charles Milne, added: "We certainly can't say bluetongue won't come to Scotland this year because although midge transmission is one way of spreading the disease, movement of infected animals can also spread the disease over long distances.
"So, we would encourage all farmers to remain vigilant and to report any suspicions of disease to the local animal health office."
Further tests are being carried out at the Suffolk farm to determine whether any more animals have been affected by the UK's first case of bluetongue disease.Further tests are being carried out at the Suffolk farm to determine whether any more animals have been affected by the UK's first case of bluetongue disease.
The insect-borne virus, which has killed livestock across Europe, was in a Highland cow on what is thought to be a rare breeds farm near Ipswich.The insect-borne virus, which has killed livestock across Europe, was in a Highland cow on what is thought to be a rare breeds farm near Ipswich.
Farmers in the south say the arrival of the disease is devastating for an industry already struggling with foot-and-mouth.Farmers in the south say the arrival of the disease is devastating for an industry already struggling with foot-and-mouth.
The disease is not contagious but often leads to death in sheep.The disease is not contagious but often leads to death in sheep.
Animals with it experience discomfort, with flu-like symptoms, and swelling and haemorrhaging in and around the mouth and nose.Animals with it experience discomfort, with flu-like symptoms, and swelling and haemorrhaging in and around the mouth and nose.
They can also go lame and have difficulty eating properly.They can also go lame and have difficulty eating properly.