Bluetongue farmer speaks of shock

The disease was found during post import testing at Bishopton Farm

The farmer at the centre of Scotland's first case of bluetongue has spoken for the first time after learning one of his cows had the virus.

James Dunlop, from Bishopton Farm in Kirkudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, said 35 heifers arrived at his farm a fortnight ago from Bremen in Germany.

But one of the cows tested positive for the virus following post-import testing undertaken by the Animal Health Agency.

Mr Dunlop said: "It is something that you can't forecast and don't want."

The infected cow has since been slaughtered and movement restrictions have been imposed on the farm, preventing livestock being taken on or off.

However, the Scottish Government said that as the animal was imported it did not affect Scotland's "free area" status.

We just have to wait now and I think tests will be carried out again just to make sure James Dunlop Bishopton Farm

The remaining 34 animals tested negative for bluetongue virus which is a non-contagious, midge-borne viral disease.

The Dunlop family have a dairy herd of Holsteins at Bishopton and are thought to have brought the 35 animals to boost their herd.

Mr Dunlop, who runs the farm with his son Jimmy, said: "The animals came here about a fortnight ago. We just have to wait now and I think tests will be carried out again just to make sure."

Robin Anderson, managing director of Wallets Marts, Castle Douglas, said: "This highlights the danger of bringing in cattle from bluetongue areas in Europe. We are hoping that this will be an isolated case."

Another Kirkcudbright farmer added: "I don't think anyone should be allowed to import animals from the continent at the moment.

"The EU is not long in putting restrictions on us and anyway, I think it is foolhardy for anyone to import cattle, even if they are cheaper, and put the whole of Scotland at risk."

Cheaper cows

The Scottish Government said it was an isolated case and the virus was not circulating between susceptible animals as vector activity was low at this time of year and in the current temperatures.

Kenneth Campbell, president of the Stewartry Branch of the National Farmers Union Scotland, said: "Fortunately for us this is in the middle of winter and not the middle of summer.

"But it is worrying and we have to make sure there is no spread and no further outbreaks."

He added: "There is a big incentive to import heifers from Europe because they can be up to £500 a head cheaper than buying them in this country where heifers just now are scarce and making £1,700 - £1,800 a head."

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment said Scotland continued to be free of bluetongue disease but urged farmers to think carefully about where they import animals from.

The presence of bluetongue virus will not be confirmed in Scotland until there is sufficient evidence to show that the virus is circulating.