We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Scotland to review animal disease response
THE Scottish Government has commissioned a review of how it tackles outbreaks of disease.
The review will look at of how information on disease spread is gathered and monitored and will form the basis of any future response to outbreaks of diseases such as Foot and Mouth, avian influenza and Newcastle Disease.
Cabinet secretary for rural affairs, Richard Lochhead said: “We have a good track record in animal disease surveillance and prevention - as our success in keeping Scotland bluetongue free demonstrates.
“But we cannot rest on our laurels. Our farmers and rural communities were badly affected by Foot and Mouth Disease in 2001 and by the 2007 outbreak in the south of England which had consequences for the Scottish sector.
“It is imperative that we continue to examine our processes and make sure that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that we are as prepared as possible when it comes to maintaining our reputation for quality livestock production.”
The Government also published a template this week to help farmers produce their own contingency plans for exotic diseases.
The review will be carried out by a panel chaired by John Kinnaird, former president of NFU Scotland and will include experts from the Scottish Government, the SAC and the Moredun Institute.
Welcoming the announcement, NFUS vice president Nigel Miller said: “As farmers, we need reassurances that the current network of local and national surveillance is fit for purpose and delivers the best service to the livestock industry across the whole of Scotland from the funding that is currently available.
“That service needs to be flexible enough to provide help and assistance in looking at problems with endemic diseases at farm level as well as having the capacity to deal with an outbreak of exotic disease, such as Swine Fever or Foot and Mouth Disease, were a national response required.”
