Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 30th September 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Bovine TB consultation launched in Scotland
camelids
The consultation will consider the Scottish Government's proposal to introduce legislation and a regime of TB controls covering non-bovine species such as camelids.

Plans to launch legislation covering specified non-bovine species

A public consultation is underway in Scotland on proposals to introduce controls and legislation to address bovine tuberculosis (TB) in specific non-bovine animals.

The consultation, which began on Monday, runs for 12 weeks and will consider the Scottish Government's proposal to introduce legislation and a regime of TB controls covering camelids (llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos), goats (farmed or domestic), sheep, pigs and deer (farmed).

TB is a serious infectious disease of cattle that can be spread to other animals.

Richard Lochhead, cabinet secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, said:

“Although the cattle industry is strictly regulated for TB, there are no legal powers in Scotland specifically covering controls of non-bovine species, except deer, where TB is strongly suspected or confirmed.

“The European Commission recognised Scotland as being officially tuberculosis free in September 2009 and the Scottish Government is very keen to maintain this.

“Introducing a non-bovine TB Order will provide Scottish Ministers and the Animal Health Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) with the powers needed to deal effectively and quickly with TB incidents in camelids, goats, sheep, pigs and deer when they arise. It will also give us the ability to provide animal keepers with statutory compensation for animals slaughtered as a result of TB.

"We are launching this public consultation to engage directly with the various livestock sectors and who will shortly be invited to meet with officials to discuss any issues raised by the proposal.”

To view the consultation papers, visit: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/09/9485

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.