Scottish Government
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New research into midges and bluetongue
Research is to be carried out into the Scottish midge population, which has been linked to the spread of the bluetongue virus, it was announced today.
The results from the research will support contingency planning for any outbreak of bluetongue in Scottish livestock.
The research will be led by Advanced Pest Solutions based at the University of Edinburgh, with partners at the University of Aberdeen, the Institute for Animal Health, Pirbright and the Scottish Agricultural College.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead said:
"Recent outbreaks of bluetongue in northwest Europe are of great concern.
"While the immediate risk to Scotland is low it is important that Scottish livestock keepers help minimise the risk through awareness, vigilance and taking care when sourcing their stock.
"The Scottish government is committed to ensuring that animal health policy is underpinned by sound science. This research will support the response to any bluetongue outbreak and help minimise its impact on the Scottish livestock industry and the wider rural economy."
The research project will be carried out by a team of internationally recognised scientists led by Dr Alison Blackwell of Advanced Pest Solutions based at the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen and the Institute for Animal Health, Pirbright. Field operations will be supported by the Scottish Agricultural College.
The project will establish the seasonal distribution and abundance of potential bluetongue midge vectors across Scotland. It will involve a combination of field work to collect midges, and laboratory analysis of the distribution and numbers of midge species (only some of which can carry bluetongue virus) in different areas of Scotland, and an assessment of the ability of midge species from different parts of Scotland to transmit the virus. The research project will run for 2.5 years at a total cost of £700,000.
Bluetongue is a viral disease which can affect cattle, sheep and other ruminants. The virus is transmitted between animals by some species of midges. The disease can cause mortality in infected animals as well as welfare problems. Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and anybody suspecting it should contact their local Animal Health Office. Bluetongue has no food safety or public health issues.
The Scottish Executive currently provides over £50 million of funding towards a range of environmental, biological and agricultural research. This project has been funded as part of this research programme.
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