Dog owners must clear up

It comes after reports of rising abortions in cattle due to the disease neospora, spread through the faeces of infected dogs.

Dogs initially become infected from eating contaminated livestock material such as placentas from newly-calved cows. Neospora is now the most common cause of cattle abortions in the UK. But there is a worrying increase in the incidence of Sarcocytosis in cattle and sheep, also spread through dog faeces contaminating pasture.

NFU Scotland has met with vets, scientists and councillors to discuss the risks and ways of tackling the problems including better communication between farmers and dog-owners who exercise their pets on farmland.

NFU Scotland vice-president and qualified vet Nigel Miller said dogs were presenting a growing threat to the well-being of farm animals: “We need to nip this in the bud by raising awareness of the problems. 

“Through highlighting the health threats to cattle and sheep posed by diseases such as neospora or sarcocystis, I believe the public can be encouraged to lift dog faeces on farmland.”

Similarly, farmers should play their part by disposing of fallen stock and collecting placental material when cows calve outside.

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