In relation to Schmallenberg virus, what steps are being taken to restrict the importation of (a) animals from high-risk areas and (b) preg…

The Scottish Ministers have no legal basis for restricting the import of animals based on the prevalence of the Schmallenberg virus within the European Union.
Restricting the import of livestock from member states is only possible under certain circumstances. Research into the Schmallenberg virus is still at an early stage, but the current assumption is that it is spread by midges. The cases of the virus that are being reported in the south of England and elsewhere in Europe are probably a result of infection that took place last year. Given the current state of knowledge about the virus, and as midges are not generally active during the winter, it would appear that restricting the movement of animals would not contribute to stopping the spread of the virus. Consequently, the European Union has decided that import controls are not necessary.
The introduction of appropriate control measures will be considered as more is learned about the virus. In the meantime, farmers purchasing new stock are being encouraged to enquire about the health history of pregnant animals.