We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Prepare for BVD – or run risks
NORTHERN England cattle farmers and progressively, those further south, will need to get their health status act together quickly if Scotland adopts a BVD eradication programme.
With a record of achievement on animal health status improvements, not least sheep, Scotland would become a difficult market for store and breeding cattle replacements once an eradication programme for BVD was in place.
Not only would it limit the pool of buyers, it would also for that reason, hit northern auction marts.
Press conference
Addressing the National Beef Association press conference at Beef Expo, Scott Donaldson, auctioneer with host venue Hexham and Northern Marts, said it was clear Scotland was moving in the same direction on cattle health as it had with sheep.
For this reason, his own market already presented a clear TB status and history for each beast sold so Scottish buyers could make informed purchasing decisions.
Mr Donaldson, chairman of the Beef Expo local organising committee, said there were many TB-related misunderstandings among buyers – and, apparently, also the Scottish Office – regarding movement of English cattle across the border.