Unanimous support for Scotland TB free status

All European Member States today voted in favour of Scotland becoming officially tuberculosis free.

This followed a presentation by Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Simon Hall, who outlined the low incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in Scottish herds and the high standards of animal welfare.

The unanimous vote was carried at today’s meeting of the Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) in Brussels.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, said:

"This is a real measure of success for Scotland’s livestock industry which has worked tirelessly with Government to keep our herds free from disease.

"Scotland has secured a unique position within the UK through the approach taken by our livestock sector that prevention is better than cure.

"Our reputation as producers of quality meat and livestock has been enhanced across Europe and we now have access to new markets."

BACKGROUND

1. Scotland has been successful so far in controlling bovine tuberculosis through rigorous pre and post movement testing of cattle coming to Scotland from areas with high incidence of bovine TB.

2. The situation in other parts of the UK is worsening and this exposes Scotland to an increasing risk of disease unless it takes steps to prevent it.

3. The final disease controls that will be required to maintain this status are still to be decided.

4. The Scottish Government will continue to work with livestock industry representatives to ensure new controls have minimal impacts on trade.