NFU Scotland Livestock Committee Chairman, Nigel Miller, will address the Scottish Badgers Annual Conference on Saturday 27 August at Oatridge College. The subject under consideration will be Bovine TB and Mr Miller will give the Scottish perspective as to the current understanding of badger involvement in the spread of TB amongst the cattle population.

Scottish cases of TB remain very few, in contrast to south of the border where England and Wales face large numbers of cases each year. NFUS believes a combination of careful sourcing of cattle, rigorous cattle testing and monitoring of wildlife is the key to maintaining Scotland's high health status.

NFUS Livestock Committee Chairman, Nigel Miller, said:

"The focus of both the Government and livestock industry in Scotland must be on prevention of TB rather than cure. We are still only having a handful of cases each year, but we must remain on guard.

"NFUS supports Ross Finnie, Minister for Environment and Rural Development, in his move to introduce pre and post movement testing of animals from high risk areas. This long-term strategic framework will add to the short-term measures the Executive has already put in place.

"The issue of badgers is a contentious one but their role in the possible spread of TB must be carefully monitored. To that end, we have been working with Scottish Badgers to get a more accurate handle on the badger population in Scotland with the common aim of keeping TB out of Scotland's cattle and its wildlife. Whilst most Scottish cases have resulted from cattle imported from high risk areas, there are still some cases which have no confirmed source. It is therefore important that all parties work together to isolate the cause so that we have all the facts in front of us when making further control decisions.

"While it may not be the common perception that Scottish Badgers and NFU Scotland are ideal partners, we are working together with one common aim and that is to keep TB out of Scotland."