'I feel guilty': The farmer whose lamb had Scotland's first case of bluetongue

Key Points:

• Farmer Fiona Johnson's new small farm in Creetown, southwest Scotland, recorded the first-ever case of bluetongue disease in Scotland, detected in a lamb with atypical symptoms four months after relocating from Bedfordshire.
• Experts believe infected midges carrying bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV3) were blown north from England, where 439 cases have been reported, leading to infections on four farms in Creetown, including the first positive cow case.
• Bluetongue affects sheep and cattle with high mortality and fertility problems but does not pose risks to humans or food safety; symptoms include nasal discharge, swelling, lameness, and reduced milk production.
• Vaccination is urged by Scotland's chief veterinary officer, but demand has outpaced supply, with veterinary centers quickly running out of doses amid concerns the virus could spread further and disrupt animal movements and sales.
• Farmers face significant financial and emotional impacts due to the disease and potential restrictions, with infected animals euthanised to contain the outbreak, while the agricultural community remains vigilant to prevent further spread.