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Sheep scab figures
High number of cases in north-east Scotland

Recent figures from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) reflect that the north-east of Scotland is worst affected by sheep scab at the moment.

The data shows that almost half of the 76 overall reported sheep scab cases came from Aberdeenshire, with high numbers of cases also reported in Perthshire, Ayrshire and Lanarkshire.

Sheep scab is caused by mites that feed on the skin surface of sheep, causing severe itching and infection which leads to poor weight gain and fleece damage. It was introduced as a notifiable disease in Scotland in 2010.

There are concerns for a further spread of sheep scab, which is highly contagious, during the upcoming winter months.

Current advice recommends animals bought in with an unknown treatment history should be dosed up for scab upon arrival to the new premises with a single injection of doramectin. 

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First BTV-3 case of 2026/27 season confirmed

News Story 1
 Livestock keepers are being urged to stay vigilant for Bluetongue (BTV-3) following confirmation of the disease in a ewe. The case, confirmed in Staffordshire on 23 June 2026, represents the first confirmed case of infection this summer.

The APHA said: 'The risk of Bluetongue spreading has increased so we urge all livestock keepers in GB to familiarise themselves with the nation specific bluetongue control policies and movement requirements that currently apply.'  

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.