Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Richard Lochhead vowed that the Government would pay 50 per cent of the cost of the vaccine from the manufacturer up to a maximum of £3m and fund the costs of monitoring against non-compliance.        

Subject to disease developments, the Government said a compulsory vaccination programme could be in place this winter.

Bluetongue is a disease caused by a virus which affects ruminants - cattle, sheep and goats – transmitted by some species of midge.  The disease can result in result in considerable loss with morality of 30 per cent in sheep and up to 10 per cent in cattle.  There are no health implications for humans.

Whilst there have been no cases of bluetongue in Scotland to date, the disease appeared in East Anglia last September just as the industry was recovering from the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, at considerable cost to farmers.  Losses on mainland Europe have also been substantial 

Announcing the vaccination programme, Lochhead said:

"This is an excellent example of the Scottish Government working in partnership with the industry to address the risk of bluetongue.

"The livestock sector has identified this disease as the biggest threat to the industry at present.  Scotland is free from bluetongue and we want to keep it this way.

"Unanimous agreement was reached to accept this support as one-off first year support to farmers who will pay 50 per cent of costs this year and full costs in subsequent years.

"This is the right solution for Scotland. The programme will deliver effective disease control whilst at the same time meeting the needs of the industry.

"We have balanced the significant potential costs of disease should bluetongue arrive in Scotland with the cost of effective controls. This pro-active approach will enhance our reputation of operating the highest quality standards of animal welfare in producing top quality products."

The programme was warmly welcomed by Jim McLaren, President of NFUScotland.  He said:

"We are delighted that the Cabinet Secretary, on behalf of the Scottish Government, has recognised the seriousness of the threat of this disease to Scotland's livestock industry. 

"It is essential that the vaccine is ordered immediately in order that the industry is protected from any potential bluetongue incursions this summer.

"Of equal importance is the compulsory nature of any vaccination programme as this will help to assure the 80 per cent plus coverage required for any programme to be successful is reached."