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Bluetongue restriction zone to be expanded across all of Scotland

Photo: BBC

Bluetongue restrictions are to be expanded across the whole of Scotland from Saturday.

Parts of south-west Scotland were already in a restricted zone, after cases in the region began appearing in August. The Scottish government said the decision will make trading more straightforward for farmers, hauliers, and auction markets.

Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease that affects sheep and cattle among other animals. It does not affect people or food safety but causes a high rate of death in infected sheep and fertility problems in infected cattle.

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