Argyll and Bute Council’s Animal Health Service is responsible for carrying out the Council’s duties in relation to the Animal Health Act 1981 and other associated legislation in relation to Animal Health and Welfare.
Animal Health and Welfare Officers can advise on orders and regulations relevant to Animal Health and Welfare.
Briefings/Current News
Bluetongue
The first cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) of the 2026 to 2027 outbreak season were confirmed on:
- 10 July 2026 in England
- 8 August 2026 in Scotland in a single sheep
- Four other affected premises have since been identified in southern Scotland.
For information on BTV case numbers in Scotland, England and Wales please visit Gov.UK Bluetongue latest information (updated daily).
Changes in control strategy
In response to the deteriorating situation in England and Wales changes will be made to Scotlands bluetongue virus serotype 3 control strategy:
- from 22 August, animals travelling from Scotland to gatherings such as markets or shows in bluetongue-affected areas of England and Wales must return home the same day
- from 10 September, all susceptible livestock moving from a bluetongue control zone into Scotland will need to be vaccinated, with limited exemptions
What to report and current rules
Bluetongue affects cattle, sheep, and goats among other ruminants, is a notifiable disease and if you suspect your animals are affected you must immediately notify your local APHA office. Failure to do so is an offence.
Vaccination is the best measure to protect their animals from the worst effects of the disease. Refer to the other sections of this guide and supporting documents for more information on clinical signs
Movement controls are currently in place for susceptible animals and germinal products moving from bluetongue Restricted Zones (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man). We expect these controls to remain until at least 9 September 2026, after which controls will reduce as temperatures gradually reduce, decreasing the risk of transmission in Scotland through the midge vector.
For further information and updates, please access the Scottish Government site on :
Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease.
Further information
- Animal Health and Welfare Guidance
- Animal Carcasses
- Animal Welfare
- Stay safe on farm visits
- Disease Control
- Livestock Identification and Traceability
- Use and Recording of Veterinary Medicines
- Animal related licences and registrations
- Importation of Pet Animals
- Shellfish harvesting
- or contact Argyll and Bute Animal Health Officers.
Animal Health and Welfare Role
The principal function of the Animal Health and Welfare Section is: -
- to prevent the introduction and control the spread of contagious diseases, including some which may constitute a risk to human health (e.g. Anthrax, Rabies and Tuberculosis), and
- ensuring the welfare needs of animals and birds are met
We do this by:
Visiting livestock markets
Officers visit livestock markets to;
- ensure high welfare standards are maintained for the livestock in the market and during transportation to and from the market;
- monitor compliance with bio-security rules that are in place to reduce the risk of any potential spread of disease;
- ensure the livestock at the market are correctly identified and are moved with the correct paperwork;
- Look for any sign of disease.
Carry out transit checks
Officers:
- stop (with the support of the police )and inspect vehicles transporting animals to ensure that high welfare standards are maintained for animals during their journey;
- ensure that the vehicles are constructed and used correctly for the transportation of the appropriate species of animal;
- ensure that animals are correctly identified and are moved with the correct paperwork.
Visiting livestock holdings
Officers will carry out an inspection of and provide advice and assistance on:
- farm livestock records;
- veterinary medicine records;
- animal movement licences and passports;
- livestock identification;
- disposal of livestock carcases;
- livestock vehicles – construction and cleanliness.
Other areas of work
This includes
- Monitoring movements of pigs;
- Investigation of complaints in relation to animal health and welfare;
- Helping to maintain Contingency Plans which when deployed assist in the control of diseases such as Rabies and Foot and Mouth Disease;
- Investigation of any import and export of animals alleged to be in breach of regulations;
- Visits to premises which are subject to license conditions such as zoos and premises keeping animals listed as “dangerous wild animals” as requested by Environmental Health;
- Providing advice and assistance on Animal Health and Welfare Legislation.
