The livestock industry is an important part of Scottish agriculture.

Includes steps to improve communication in the livestock industry

The BVA has welcomed a Government report which sets out aims for the health and welfare of livestock in Scotland.

The animal health and welfare in the livestock industry: strategy 2016-2021 was published earlier this month following wide consultation with farmers, animal welfare organisations and scientists.

Its actions include steps to improve the way animal health messages are communicated, to increase knowledge change and to strengthen information flow up and down the supply chain.

Responding to the report, BVA Scotland president Grace Webster said: "BVA and BVA Scottish Branch welcome this strategy tailored to Scotland’s needs, and the government’s one health approach in monitoring and regularly reporting the links between animal health and welfare as well as wider societal and climatic concerns.

“We wholly agree with the strategy’s recognition of the critical importance of surveillance as a tool in eradicating endemic diseases in Scotland, and its focus on promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials to safeguard future use.

“We recognise that delivering improvements in animal health and welfare is not a job for just one agency or group yet we would have liked to see more recognition of the frontline role of the veterinary surgeon in safeguarding animal health and promoting animal welfare.

“BVA Scottish Branch is looking forward to working as part of the Welfare Working Group to implement the actions that have been clearly laid out to achieve best health and welfare outcomes for Scotland’s livestock."

The livestock industry is an important part of Scottish agriculture, contributing around £1.6 billion worth of output and employing just under 35,000 people.

Scottish ministers have presented the strategy “as the next stage” of plans to build on Scotland’s existing high standards of animal health and welfare in the livestock industry.