Scottish farmers warned of new cross-border bluetongue virus restrictions
From July 1, any farmer wishing to move cattle and sheep from England into Scotland must now apply for a movement licence from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
It's part of the new UK Government rules to control the spread of the bluetongue virus among livestock, and the National Farmers Union of Scotland has made clear that the measures will have 'significant consequences' for Scottish producers and farmers.
The union said Scottish producers who regularly market stock at English sales may now face 'costly and complex return protocols'.
Bluetongue is a virus spread by biting midges which impacts livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats.
One of the key symptoms of the disease is a blue, swollen tongue, and concerns are growing as the summer months approach.
It can also affect deer and llamas, but humans and food safety are not at risk.
In rare cases, dogs can catch bluetongue if they eat infected material, such as the placenta or other birthing tissue of an animal with the disease.
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced the restricted zone for bluetongue has been extended to cover all of England.
Farmers and producers will now need a movement licence issued by APHA to move animals to Scotland, which confirms the animals have: a valid pre-movement test, or vaccination with the Boehringer Bultavo-3 vaccine (for cattle only).
Sheep cannot move to Scotland without a negative BTV-3 pre-movement test from the National Reference Laboratory (Pirbright), even if they're vaccinated.
'Vaccination remains a vital tool in protecting animal health,' NFU Scotland animal health and welfare policy manager Penny Middleton explained.
'All available vaccines provide effective protection against the symptoms of BTV-3, but manufacturers are currently unable to demonstrate that any vaccine prevents transmission of BTV-3 in sheep.
'For that reason,the Scottish Government will continue to require pre-movement testing of all sheep moving into Scotland, regardless of vaccination status.'
NFU Scotland has made clear that these measures will have 'significant consequences' for cross-border trade, but the union has consistently opposed Scotland joining the BTV-3 Restricted Zone, citing the need to maintain strong disease prevention measures.
NFU Scotland has promised to keep its position under review with members as the situation progresses.
Further updates, guidance and frequently asked questions on the bluetongue virus have been made available on the NFU Scotland website.
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
PIP payments of up to £749 each month for people with these 87 muscle or joint conditions
More than one million people with musculoskeletal conditions receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - information The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now more than 1.1 million adults across Great Britain receiving support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for over 85 musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Only 2,969 Scots remain on PIP with 756 claiming for muscle or joint issues. The Scottish figure is low because case transfers from PIP to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is now in its final phase of migration. People with a Scottish postcode in receipt of a DWP disability benefit will be transferred to the devolved system before the end of this year. Musculoskeletal conditions are injuries and disorders that affect the human body's movement or musculoskeletal system such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs and blood vessels. Arthritis is a general term that refers to many of these different conditions, however, some common conditions include osteoarthritis, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, gout, polymyalgia rheumatica, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis. If you are over 16 and under State Pension age, you may be able to claim PIP - or ADP in Scotland - to help with a musculoskeletal condition, and if your ability to work is limited due to your symptoms you could be eligible for 'new style' Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). The latest DWP figures also show that there are now 3.7m people in England and Wales claiming PIP. The latest statistics from Social Security Scotland show that at the end of April, some 46,265 people were receiving ADP. A successful claim for PIP or ADP is now worth between £29.20 and £187.45 each week in additional financial support and as the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £116.80 and £749.80 every pay period. The average processing time for new PIP claims is 15 weeks which means applications submitted this month could be processed - and back payments issued - by the end of September. New claims for ADP currently take seven weeks on average to process, so a new claim submitted this month could be processed by the end of August. PIP claimants with musculoskeletal conditions The latest data shows that at the end of April, over one million people were receiving support through PIP for Musculoskeletal conditions. Scotland: 756 (does not include case transfer or new claims of Adult Disability Payment) England and Wales: 1,152,341 Living abroad: 974 Total: 1,154,878 Below is the list of 87 musculoskeletal conditions being supported through PIP to help with either daily living, mobility needs or a combination of both components. It is not definitive, so if your condition does not appear, don't be put off making a claim as an award for PIP or ADP is about how the condition affects you, not the condition itself. Musculoskeletal Conditions - General Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis of Hip Osteoarthritis of Knee Osteoarthritis of other single joint Primary generalised Osteoarthritis Chronic pain syndrome Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) Fibromyalgia Pain syndromes - Chronic - Other / type not known Inflammatory arthritis Ankylosing spondylitis Arthritis - Psoriatic Arthritis - Reactive Inflammatory arthritis - Other / type not known Juvenile chronic arthritis (Still's disease) Rheumatoid arthritis Crystal deposition disorders Crystal deposition disorders - Other / type not known Gout Pseudogout Osteonecrosis and osteochondritis Osteochondritis Osteonecrosis Metabolic and endocrine disorders Osteomalacia Osteoporosis Other metabolic and endocrine disorders of musculoskeletal system Paget's disease Rickets Genetic disorders, dysplasias and malformations Achondroplasia Epiphyseal dysplasia - multiple Genetic disorders, dysplasias and malformations - Other / type not known Hereditary multiple exostosis (diaphyseal aclasis) Hypermobility syndrome Marfan's syndrome Osteogenesis imperfecta Benign tumours of bone Tumours of bone - benign Fracture complications Compartment syndrome (Volkmann's ischaemia) Fracture complications - Other / type not known Sudek's atrophy Other generalised musculoskeletal conditions Generalised musculoskeletal disease - Other / type not known Musculoskeletal Conditions - Regional Shoulder disorders Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) Rotator cuff disorder Shoulder disorders - Other / type not known Shoulder instability Elbow disorders Elbow disorders - Other / type not known Golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis) Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) Wrist and hand disorders Carpal tunnel syndrome Dupuytren's contracture Tendon lesions Tenosynovitis Wrist and hand disorders - Other / type not known Neck disorders Cervical disc lesion Cervical spondylosis Neck disorders - Other / type not known Whiplash injury Non specific back pain Back pain - Non specific (mechanical) Specific back pain Back pain - Specific - Other / type not known Kyphosis Lumbar disc lesion Lumbar spondylosis (OA spine) Schuermann's disease Scoliosis Spinal stenosis Spondylolisthesis Hip disorders Dislocation of the hip - congenital Hip disorders - Other / type not known Perthes disease Slipped upper femoral epiphysis Knee disorders Bursitis Chondromalacia patellae Knee disorders - Other / type not known Ligamentous instability of knee Meniscal lesions Osgood schlatters disease Osteochondritis dissecans Ankle and foot disorders Ankle and foot disorders - Other / type not known Club foot (talipes) Fore foot pain (Metatarsalgia) Hallux valgus /rigidus Amputations Amputation - Lower limb(s) Amputation - Upper limb(s) Amputations - Upper & Lower limb/s Injuries/fracture/Dislocation Abdomen - Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation of Lower limb - Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation of Multiple - Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation Pelvis - Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation of Spine - Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation of Thorax - Injury/Fracture/Dislocation of Upper limb - Injury/Fracture/Dislocation of Other regional musculoskeletal disease Musculoskeletal disease - Regional / Localised - Other / type not known Even though new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Full guidance on ADP can be found on the website here. Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP? To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. preparing, cooking or eating food managing your medication washing, bathing or using the toilet dressing and undressing engaging and communicating with other people reading and understanding written information making decisions about money planning a journey or following a route moving around There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the website here. DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment How are PIP and ADP paid? PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. What are the PIP and ADP payment rates? You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. PIP is made up of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £1110.40 Mobility Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 How you are assessed You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware that the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here. Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant - find out more about the changes here. How do you make a claim for PIP? You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the website here. Before you call, you will need: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital How to apply for ADP People can apply for ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
NHS Lanarkshire launches videos aimed at increasing smear tests uptake
They include messages about cervical screening for the whole population - and specifically for Lanarkshire's South Asian communities. A new suite of videos aimed at increasing the uptake of smear tests has been launched by NHS Lanarkshire. They include messages about cervical screening for the whole population - and specifically for Lanarkshire's South Asian communities. Celia Briffa-Watt, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health, said: "We've created three videos with discussions about cervical screening - two podcasts and a lived-experience story. " One of the podcasts is for a general audience and features two young women talking about cervical screening and how important it is to attend when invited. "We know our cervical screening uptake in young women, especially those who receive their very first invitation, is lower than we'd like it to be. " The other podcast has two young women of South Asian heritage chatting about the importance of going for a test despite the fact that that it's not a subject that's often discussed in their community. "The lived experience video is also aimed at our South Asian communities, where there may be a reluctance to attend for cervical screening for cultural reasons. "It features Saffiya - a fictional name for privacy - who is initially doubtful about going for the test but then has life-saving treatment for cervical cancer. "Importantly, we have produced versions of this message in Arabic and Urdu as well as English." Celia added: "All three videos have been created following work involving NHS Lanarkshire's Public Health and Health Improvement teams and our local communities, including Lanarkshire Central Mosque in Bellshill, whose membership is among those who make up our diverse South Asian communities. "The projects engaged with women to find out about the barriers they may experience in attending screening and consider what resources could be co-developed to help them overcome these." Saffiya's story was launched at the mosque, where over 70 female members attended, giving positive feedback. The viewing prompted good discussion and some of the group said they will contact their GP to make their appointment as this was something they had been putting off. One of the women involved in the engagement said: "Thank you so much for this. I didn't realise your visits managed to gather so much information and I'm glad to have been a part of helping." Megan McNeil, NHS Lanarkshire health improvement practitioner, added: "It would not have been possible to create these videos without the support from the mosque and all the ladies who attended and engaged with us. "A special thank you to the kind family who were willing to share their experience with us." Celia said: 'A smear test is the most effective and accurate way of finding out if you're more likely to develop cervical cancer. "It checks the cells from your cervix for the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is the main cause of cervical cancer. "It's still important to participate in screening, even if you've had the HPV vaccination. "And, if you didn't go the last time you were invited or you've been putting it off, just contact your GP practice and ask for a cervical screening appointment. You don't need to wait for your next invitation. "Anyone aged 25 to 64 who is eligible for screening is invited for a routine smear test. Screening only takes around five minutes. "If you'd feel more comfortable with a female nurse or GP, be sure to mention this when you make your appointment. "You can ask to discuss the smear test with the practice nurse before your appointment or ask for a double appointment if you think you need a bit longer during your smear test.
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Bella Culley could be separated from her baby behind bars in 'traumatic' update
Suspected British drug smuggler Bella May Culley has raised grave concerns from experts who are raising the alarm about her bleak prison conditions. The 18-year-old, from Billingham, County Durham, is accused of trafficking cannabis into Georgia. If found guilty, she could be looking at life in prison, very far from home. The teen sobbed in court this week as she claimed she was "forced by torture". Bella said: "I didn't want to do this. I was forced by torture. I just wanted to travel. I study at the university… to become a nurse. "All I wanted to do was to travel and this happened to me. I'm clean - I had nothing in my blood test. I wanted to make my family proud. Thanks for listening." Brit gang 'threatened to decapitate' 'drug mule' Bella Culley 'and kill her family' For now, the British student awaits her fate at the notorious Women's Penitentiary Number Five in Georgia, close to the Russian border. It's understood that Culley, who is pregnant, is sharing a cell with two other inmates in the 'hellhole' jail known for its cramped and dirty conditions. The teen has claimed she's had no medical care in jail, despite her pregnancy. Her lawyer, Mariam Kublashvili said back in May: "She is pregnant and needs medical care which she complained she wasn't getting – there were no tests or checks or medical examinations done, she told me. She said she asked for a doctor, but the doctor wasn't speaking English and they couldn't understand each other." And campaigners and lawyers are now warning that Culley's apparent lack of medical care could "raise serious human rights concerns." Describing reports of Bella being denied medical care as "extremely worrying", Adam Jones, from law firm HD Claims, told the Mirror: "Even while incarcerated, individuals have the right to basic healthcare, and pregnancy care falls firmly within that. Georgia is a signatory to multiple international conventions, including the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN's Convention Against Torture. "These establish a minimum standard of care, especially for vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women. Day-to-day, Bella should be receiving routine antenatal check-ups, access to qualified medical professionals, proper nutrition, and immediate care in the event of complications. Denial of such care may breach Article 3 of the ECHR, which prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment." Human rights organisations have long had serious concerns about conditions in prisons in Georgia, particularly regarding healthcare access and the treatment of foreign nationals. Mr Jones added: "Vulnerable prisoners, especially young women, often face language barriers, limited access to legal support, and difficulty advocating for themselves in an unfamiliar system." The reported conditions of Women's Penitentiary Number Five make for grim reading. Multiple inmates are said to be squeezed into single cells, in a Soviet-era facility described as being in a state of decay. Although some improvements have been seen in recent times, thanks to funding, there have been distressing accounts from behind the prison's allegedly grimy walls. One inspection found that prisoners were forced to squat in front of guards, said to be particularly traumatic when they are menstruating. Meanwhile, a report from the latest inspection of the prison found that new inmates were spending up to two weeks in internal classification cells before being assigned to their block. According to this report, which followed complaints over hygiene from inmates: "Even though they are legally guaranteed the right to exercise, they are unable to benefit from this right. "The internal classification cells are located in the C residential building of the facility, and there is no designated outdoor space available for the inmates housed there to get fresh air." Although improvements in cleanliness were noted, "it was found that the facility frequently does not receive drinking water", with both staff and inmates forced to collect water in containers, which they would then store. It's clear this is a hostile environment for a young pregnant woman, and it's feared things could get even worse should Culley end up giving birth behind bars. According to Mr Jones: "If Bella were to give birth while imprisoned, her baby would likely be taken into the care of the state or handed over to relatives, depending on the circumstances and Georgian family law. Immediate separation after birth can have traumatic effects, both psychologically and physically, particularly without proper postnatal care or support systems in place. "Her case highlights a broader issue: the urgent need for transparent oversight in how prisons handle the care of pregnant women, especially foreign nationals. Without international scrutiny or legal intervention, individuals like Bella risk being left without even the most basic care, simply because of where they are.' The Mirror also heard from Kirsty Kitchen, Head of Policy at Birth Companions, a charity supporting women who face inequalities and disadvantages during pregnancy. Ms Kitchen warned that the organisation is "deeply concerned by reports that Bella May Culley has not been receiving appropriate medical care while held in Rustavi's prison number 5." She told us: "The United Nations' Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners, commonly known as the 'Bangkok Rules', are clear: pregnant women in prison must have access to healthcare that is equivalent to that which would receive in the community, along with a healthy environment, adequate nutrition, fresh water supplies, and regular exercise. "Yet the most recent inspection of the prison, carried out by the ombudsman of Georgia, found a range of issues with drinking water, proper ventilation, and long waits for medical services to address physical and mental health needs. "The UN rules also state that pregnant women should not be held in prison pre-trial, and should receive non-custodial sentences wherever possible. On these grounds, the refusal of Bella's application for bail, which would allow her to access maternity care in the community and have the support of her family, is a huge disappointment." Highlighting what needs to be done next, Ms Kitchen added: "We need to ensure her physical and mental health needs are being met, and work to secure her release from an environment that is clearly not a safe or appropriate place in which to navigate pregnancy." Bella was first arrested at Tbilisi International Airport on May 11, after being reported missing in Thailand. She has been accused of smuggling drugs into Georgia following her travels in South East Asia. Cannabis was legalised for recreational use in Georgia back in 2018, with limited possession also being decriminalised; however, the selling of cannabis remains illegal. The Mirror has approached the Georgian Ministry of Justice for comment.
