Suspect Case of Bluetongue in the Netherlands
The Netherlands have reported a suspected case of Bluetongue in Limburg in the south of the country, and suspended all trade in cattle and sheep. Bluetongue is a viral disease of ruminants, mostly cattle and sheep, and is a vector disease, ie spread by insects (usually midges).
It has no human health implications and has never been found in the United Kingdom. Most cases in Europe have been seen around the Mediterranean. Preliminary assessment suggests that the risk to Scotland is low, and we will be monitoring the situation.
Further veterinary and technical information on Bluetongue is available by clicking this link:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/bluetongue.htm