News Summary

• Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease that affects sheep and cattle.
• It does not affect people or food safety but causes a high rate of death.
• The first case in Scotland was reported in early August on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway.
• The disease has been detected on 40 premises since the south-west Scotland restricted zone was established in early September.
• England and Wales are also in restricted zones, after cases escalated there over the summer.
• The decision to expand the zone follows talks with industry representatives.