Outbreak of bovine TB in herd of cattle on Isle of Skye

The government said despite the outbreak, Scotland’s status for the disease remained at TB-free
The government said despite the outbreak, Scotland’s status for the disease remained at TB-free

An outbreak of bovine TB has been confirmed in a herd of cattle on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

The croft involved is currently under restriction while further testing is undertaken.

The farmer affected by incident said in a statement through NFU Scotland: "This is an extremely worrying and very difficult time for me.

"The cattle that tested positive on the farm have been slaughtered and further laboratory tests are now under way.

"Waiting for those results is very stressful but I want to get to the bottom of this, get my herd restrictions lifted and get my TB-free status back as quickly as possible and I will work with the authorities to do that."

A Scottish government spokesman said: “The source of the infection is under investigation.

“The infected herd is currently under restriction whilst further testing is undertaken. The source of the infection is under investigation.”

The government said that despite the outbreak, Scotland’s status for the disease remained at TB-free.

Experts have been urging farmers not to panic, but to exercise high levels of biosecurity.