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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th January 2022
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Detector dogs in Scotland to help prevent spread of exotic animal diseases
The dogs will help to stop the introduction of exotic animal diseases in Scotland, such as African swine fever and foot and mouth disease.

The 'dog squad' will sniff out products of animal origin. 

A new 'dog squad' of detector dogs has been formed in Scotland to sniff out products of animal origin (PoAO) and stop the importation of exotic animal diseases.

The dogs will be based full time at airports, ports and parcel hubs across Scotland, and have been funded by the Scottish government. 

Mairi Gougeon, rural affairs secretary for Scotland, said: “The Scottish Government and Border Force have worked closely to get the dogs operational in Scotland. 

“Alongside their handlers, they have taken part in a robust training regime and now that they have passed their assessments they can get to work and help us detect PoAO entering Scotland illegally.

“The Scottish Government investment in our new detector dog service will enhance the detection of illegal products of animal origin and reduce the risk of exotic diseases entering Scotland, thus helping to keep our rural economy safe.

“Monthly seizure data provided by Border Force North helps us ascertain where PoAO originate from and helps us identify periods where seizures are above average.” 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.