The Scottish Government has confirmed that a blanket bluetongue vaccination programme will commence from Monday 3rd November, from which time Scotland will be an official protection zone and free movement of animals at risk of the virus will be allowed across the UK.

The date was reached on a scientific basis that transmission rate by midges at this time of year tends to be low and that livestock will need protected before activity increases again during spring time.

Commenting on vaccination, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead stressed: "Until all livestock are vaccinated, there will remain a risk to the industry from importing potentially infected animals.

"It is vital farmers continue to avoid sourcing stock from high risk areas."

The vaccination programme will cover all cattle and sheep, while it will be available on a voluntary basis for other animals susceptible to bluetongue such as goats and deer.

The Scottish Government has promised to contribute £2.6 million, around half of the vaccine manufacturing costs for this year. The initial vaccination programme is set to take place until April 30th 2009.