BVA welcomes new bovine tuberculosis measures in Scotland

The British Veterinary Association has responded positively to the introduction of new measures to protect Scotland’s livestock against bovine tuberculosis.

Coming into effect on October 9th, the legislation extends the regime of tuberculosis controls to specified non-bovine animals such as alpaca, sheep and farmed deer. The aim is to ensure that Scotland retains its official tuberculosis-free status.

These controls include notification of the disease in specified non-bovine animals and compulsory slaughter of any tuberculosis reactors identified.

It is known, for example, that the disease in South American camelids has an extensive and aggressive pathology and has zoonotic potential, making these new controls a necessary step.

However, the BVA believes further efforts are needed across the UK, and will be working with the respective governments of England, Wales and Northern Ireland to achieve this.

BVA president Sean Wensley said: "We know that disease does not respect borders and that one of the surest ways to safeguard Scotland's livestock against bovine tuberculosis is to ensure its eradication in the rest of the UK."