Scotland extends bluetongue vaccination deadline
Scotland has extended its deadline for the compulsory vaccination of cattle and sheep against bluetongue to April 30.
Farmers with livestock on uninhabited islands and, on a case by case basis, with particularly remote hill sheep flocks north of the Great Glen can apply for a vaccination extension of two months.
The extended deadline of June 30 reflects difficulties and potential welfare implications for these groups.
Farmers that have not vaccinated their livestock have until April 30 to do so.
Scotland's Rural Affairs cabinet secretary Richard Lochhead said the government and industry stakeholders agreed last year that mass vaccination was the best defence against the serious threat of bluetongue virus 8.
Lochhead said the first dose for cattle must be given beginning April.
He added that working closely with the industry has made them aware of potential welfare problems in moving livestock from remote hills in time to meet the deadline and the extension will alleviate this problem while still ensuring Scotland remains protected.
These extensions were devised following discussions with key industry stakeholders such as NFU Scotland, the National Sheep Association and the Scottish Crofting Foundation.
