Farmers bringing cattle into Scotland are set to be subject to tighter controls in order to reduce the risk of spreading bovine tuberculosis (bTB).
Changes to legislation will come into force from May 18, 2023, which will see stricter pre-movement testing of cattle required, adding extra precautions for animals coming from areas of higher risk of infection.
Compensation will be reduced for any unclean cattle slaughtered for TB control purposes which the Scottish government said is to incentivise farmers to keep their animals clean and to promote better animal health and welfare.
As well as this, a new definition for isolation will be introduced and compensation will also be reduced for cattle which are not properly isolated.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said these changes are part of a “comprehensive, practical and proportionate programme of measures” to reduce the risk of bTB outbreaks.
“Although Scotland is officially TB free, cases do still occur – and breakdowns are extremely disruptive, upsetting and distressing for cattle owners,” she said.
“We are committed to maintaining Scotland’s low TB infection rates and OTF (Officially TB Free) status, which is crucial to the success of our cattle industry.”
Vice-president of the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland (NFUS), Alasdair Macnab, said Scottish cattle keepers are proud of Scotland’s OTF status and remain committed to keeping TB out of Scotland.
“NFUS welcomes Scottish government’s commitment to continually reviewing the processes in place to protect Scotland’s cattle herd and to make sure they remain fit for purpose,” he said.
“The changes to the pre-movement test requirements and improved clarity around isolation are being introduced following a consultation process and should offer increased confidence to keepers.
“NFUS urges Scottish cattle keepers to remain aware that the greatest risk of introducing TB into Scotland is from cattle movements, and to continue to ensure their sourcing policies will minimise the risk to their own holding and the national herd.”
