Aberdeenshire Trading Standards

10/06/2026

🔷BLUETONGUE🔷

The Bluetongue (Scotland) Order 2012

The midges that spread bluetongue are now active and the recent warm weather means the virus is now able to replicate inside the midges and can be spread by them to other susceptible animals. Animals can also be infected through germinal products (semen, ova or embryos).

Temperatures in many areas of Europe are also high, so newly bluetongue infected midges in these areas can also spread the disease. The risk of transmission from midges blown across the channel has therefore increased.

The risk of spread of bluetongue virus (serotypes BTV-3, BTV-8 and BTV-12) from all routes remains at medium (occurs regularly).

We therefore urge all livestock keepers in Great Britain (GB) to familiarise themselves with the nation specific bluetongue control policies and movement requirements that currently apply.

Movement controls – new rules come into force in Scotland from 01 June 2026

Movement requirements may differ between England, Scotland and Wales. Before moving, selling or breeding livestock, please check the rules that apply in your nation:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/bluetongue-movement-restrictions-for-animals/

Vaccinating individual animals against bluetongue is the best way to protect them, and it is strongly recommended that livestock keepers seek vaccination advice from their vet.

Report suspicion of disease

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease so if you suspect it, even in animals that have been vaccinated for BTV-3 or BTV-8, you must report it immediately as failure to do so is breaking the law. Please see GOV.UK for more information.

What this means for your business

Understanding national policies and movement rules will help you:

· Avoid delays or compliance issues at markets or borders
· Protect your livestock from disease risk
· Maintain business continuity during peak midge season
· Support safe movements/trade within GB and internationally.
Actions to take now

· Review your nation’s bluetongue policy using the links above
· Speak to your vet about whether vaccination is appropriate for your herd/flock
· Check movement requirements before moving, selling or exporting animals or animal products
· Report any suspect signs of disease promptly.
Where to find the latest bluetongue information

https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/bluetongue-movement-restrictions-for-animals/

If you want to ensure you get the latest bluetongue related information, you can register with the APHA animal disease alert subscription service to receive emails or texts about the latest exotic notifiable animal disease outbreaks in GB.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apha-alert-subscription-service

Thank you for taking action to protect livestock health across GB.

Scottish Government advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.

08/06/2026

On Friday, one of our Animal Health and Welfare Officers delivered some horse handling training to Grampian Fire and Rescue Service with the help of STRATHORN FARM STABLES instructor Cat and Clydesdale Jim! This training was held at Aberdeen & Northern Marts, Thainstone where the Animal Welfare Officer here then took over to supply training in cattle and sheep handling. This kind of practical training is very important as these animals can occasionally get themselves into bother. The fire services are sometimes called to assist with freeing trapped and often large animals which can be a very difficult and dangerous task! The training session was hands on, and was focused on showing the fire service team how to approach and handle these flight animals safely.

05/06/2026

04/06/2026

We’ve received a number of reports of individuals going door-to-door offering roofing and property services in the Aberdeenshire area. Today officers have attended at incidents in the Ellon area this morning and Westhill in the afternoon.

Be cautious: businesses should not need to cold call to generate work. Watch out for common pressure tactics such as claims they are “working nearby” or have “leftover materials” available at a discount.

Our advice is to never agree to work or make payments to unsolicited doorstep callers.
If you’re concerned or feel suspicious, report it to Aberdeenshire Council Trading Standards immediately:
* 01467 539539
* [email protected]
For all other independent consumer advice, contact Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000.

28/05/2026

IPO Counter-Infringement

Fakes can appear on second-hand platforms, which is why we’re working with industry to improve protections and help shoppers spot the signs early.

Read more about our partnership with Vinted to develop new guidance: https://ipo.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/28/working-together-to-tackle-fakes-how-vinted-and-government-are-strengthening-trust-online/

28/05/2026

IPO Counter-Infringement

27/05/2026

Doorstep Callers Warning
We’ve received a number of reports of individuals going door-to-door offering roofing and property services across Aberdeenshire, including some claiming to represent “Kingdom Coatings”.
We are particularly concerned by reports of callers ignoring “No Cold Calling” stickers — a reputable company would not do this. If you have a “No Cold Calling” sticker and still receive visits, please let us know — photos or videos help.
Be cautious: businesses should not need to cold call to generate work. Watch out for common pressure tactics such as claims they are “working nearby” or have “leftover materials” available at a discount.
Our advice: never agree to work or make payments to unsolicited doorstep callers.
If you’re concerned or feel suspicious, report it to Aberdeenshire Council Trading Standards immediately:
* 01467 539539
* [email protected]
For all other independent consumer advice, contact Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000.

26/05/2026

Did you know that New Arc Wildlife Rescue is a licensed Animal Welfare Establishment?

Animal Welfare Establishment Licensing is something that often happens quietly in the background, but it plays an incredibly important role in ensuring high standards of care for animals in captivity, including wildlife rescue centres such as New Arc Wildlife Rescue.

Scotland is currently the only devolved nation in the UK where animal welfare establishment licensing specifically includes wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres. We believe this is an important and positive step for wildlife welfare and for maintaining professional standards within the sector.

For wildlife rehabilitation centres, licensing provides external oversight, accountability and reassurance that facilities, husbandry, veterinary care, record keeping, staffing and welfare standards are being maintained to a high level. It helps ensure that rescued wildlife receive appropriate care throughout their rehabilitation journey, from admission through to release.

While inspections and compliance requirements can be demanding, we believe this is ultimately a very positive thing. Good regulation helps protect animal welfare, supports professionalism within the sector and provides confidence to the public, supporters and partner organisations that centres are operating responsibly and transparently.

Wildlife rescue work is often carried out under significant pressure, with rising caseloads and limited resources, so having constructive relationships with regulators who understand the realities of animal welfare work is incredibly valuable.

We would like to say a sincere thank you to all of the team at Aberdeenshire Trading Standards, who oversee licensing within our region. Their professionalism, support and genuine passion for animal welfare is greatly appreciated, and we are grateful for the collaborative approach they bring to helping maintain high welfare standards for wildlife in care.

Aberdeenshire Council

26/05/2026

We have become aware of door-to-door sellers in the Ellon area, reports have indicated that these individuals are ignoring signage telling cold callers to leave. It is a criminal offence to ignore such signage, salesmen simply should not attempt to cold call homes who have displayed such signage.

Please contact us on [email protected] to report any such instances.

21/05/2026

🚫 Protecting Our Communities 🚫

Cold callers and rogue traders are not welcome in Aberdeenshire.

Free “No Cold Calling” stickers for your door are available to help deter unwanted callers and keep residents safe.

Trading Standards are pleased to be working with local businesses to set up collection points for these stickers. Details of more collection points throughout Aberdeenshire will be released in due course.

You can now collect your stickers from the following local hubs:

📍 The Banking Hub & Post Office – Turriff
📍 Banking Hub – Banff
📍 Post Office – Macduff

These stickers send a clear message and can help prevent doorstep crime. Let’s work together to protect our communities and make Aberdeenshire a safer place for everyone.

If in doubt, keep them out.