An EPIC-hosted event at the Royal Highland Show, taking place in the Scottish Government Marquee on Thursday 18th June, 14:30–15:30.

This session will focus on Bluetongue Virus (BTV) in Scotland, with particular attention to how scientific evidence is informing policy decisions and how the livestock industry is adapting to the evolving situation. The event will bring together perspectives from science, government, and industry, offering a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and response strategies.

Programme Overview

The event will be structured in three parts:

• EPIC contributions

o An overview of the epidemiological characteristics of BTV and recent EPIC research
o A presentation on vector biology and control

• Policy perspective

o A presentation from Scottish Government colleagues on the national disease control strategy

• Industry perspectives

o Reflections from invited industry representatives on the opportunities and challenges posed by current control measures

The session will conclude with an optional Q&A segment, allowing attendees to engage directly with speakers from government, science, and industry.

We hope you will join us for what promises to be an informative and timely discussion on BTV and Scotland’s preparedness and response.