2009-09-15
NBA Scotland has welcomed the announcement that Scotland has been granted official TB Free status by the European Commission.
During earlier discussions, NBA raised concerns regarding potential cross-border trade problems, particularly for quality store and breeding heifers sourced by Scottish farmers from low risk TB areas in the northern counties of England.
However, in discussions this week with the Scottish Government, NBA Scotland officials were reassured that the measures being proposed will effectively address trade concerns.
The interim measures put forward for further discussion suggest that cattle born and reared on farms in low risk areas with a clean TB history will be free to move to Scotland. However, cattle from higher risk areas will need to be pre-movement tested before leaving the holding of origin and/or post movement tested on arrival in Scotland.
“The flexible approach suggested by the Scottish Government for the low risk counties of northern England should allow cross border holdings the freedom to carry on their business as usual provided cattle are sourced responsibly,” said NBA Scotland vice-chairman, Hamish McBean. “The direct movement of cattle to slaughter in Scotland will be permitted without additional TB testing.”
NBA Scotland has suggested a surveillance programme should be considered for badgers and alpacas moving into Scotland to reduce any potential source of infection. NBA has welcomed the risk based approach that will be adopted for the TB testing of Scottish breeding herds after the transitional period.
NBA Scotland look forward to working with the Scottish Government over the next few weeks to develop the detailed measures around the application, which will be submitted to the European Commission in November.
NBA representatives south of the border are supporting the proposed interim measures put forward by the Scottish Government in discussions on the proposed measures in Westminster, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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