Review of plan to tackle disease issues
Published: 27/01/2010
SCOTLAND'S main exotic animal disease contingency plan has been updated.
A new version of the document, which consolidates previous versions to cope with recent foot-and-mouth and bird flu outbreaks, was revealed by the Scottish Government as it said it would be reviewing the way in which it tackles any future disease issue. The review is looking at how information is gathered on the way diseases spread and are then monitored.
The government urged pig and poultry farmers to check the new contingency plan as it contains information as to how they can make their own business sites better prepared if diseases strike in future.
Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland's excellent reputation as a top quality producer boosts sales and profits and is due in no small part to the health of our livestock.
“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.
Reputation
“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."
Former NFU Scotland president John Kinnaird is the chairman of the new review. He will be assisted by Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society chairman David Mitchell, Scottish Government staff and representatives from Edinburgh's Moredun Institute.
The group will be calling for information and comments on the existing methods of disease spread. Its report is expected by the end of the year.
NFU Scotland vice-president Nigel Miller said the review was timely as farmers needed reassurances the surveillance system worked, was flexible and fit for purpose.
The exotic diseases also covered by the contingency plan include African and classical swine fever, Newcastle disease and swine vesicular disease. The document can be found at www.sears. scotland.gov.uk/Docu mentView.aspx?id=39
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