Bluetongue restriction zone extension a 'positive thing' for farmers

Restrictions aimed at controlling bluetongue, a virus that affects sheep, cattle and other livestock, are now in force across the whole of Scotland.

The Scottish government said they should be seen as a "positive thing" which would make it easier for farmers to get uninfected animals to market without requiring an individual licence.

The disease, which can be spread by insects such as midges, does not affect people and poses no risk to food safety.

Bluetongue was first detected on farms in south-west Scotland in August and there have now been more than 100 infected animals in 41 locations, including four outside the original restriction zone .

While no danger to humans, Bluetongue can cause fever, swelling, lameness, birth defects and difficulty eating for cows and particularly sheep.

In some cases, animals die or become so ill they have to be euthanised.

What is the potentially deadly bluetongue virus?

Scientists believe the disease probably spread to Scotland after infected midges were blown across the border from England but the risk of transmission is now falling as the midge season draws to a close.

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