Scotland on Heich Alert as Fit an Mooth Disease Risk Rises

The Scottish Government haes raised the risk level o fit an mooth disease (FMD) tae medium follaein a troublin discovery in Germany. The disease wis foond in watter buffalo in Brandenburg, promptin an immediate ban on imports o coos, pigs, an sheep fae the affected region. This decisive action aims tae protect fermers, their livelihoods, an the nation’s fuid security.

Fit an mooth disease is a heichly contagious virus that primarily affects cloven-huifed animals (animals wi cluifs insteid o huifs), includin coos, sheep, an pigs. While it poses nae threit tae human health, the virus can spreid rapidly throu direct contact an airborne transmission, potentially devastatin entire herds an flocks.

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Sheila Voas, expressed her concern for the fermin community. “We hinnae seen fit an mooth disease in Scotland syne 2001,” she stated. Voas emphasised the importance o strict on-ferm biosecurity measures an urged fermers tae promptly report ony signs o notifiable disease. Recognisin clinical signs early is crucial, especially as sheep micht no aye display obvious symptoms.

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie reassured the public aboot the government’s preparedness. He pynted oot robust contingency plans, tested durin Exercise Blackthorn in 2018, whit simulated a large-scale ootbrak. Fairlie urged livestock keepers tae remain vigilant an reminded them o their legal obligation tae report ony disease suspicions tae local authorities.

Fermers are encouraged tae soorce animals an germinal products responsibly, ensurin compliance wi health regulations. Keepin imported animals separate fae the rest o the herd is vital until they are confirmed disease-free.

For mair information on fit an mooth disease an biosecurity guidance, visit www.gov.scot/footandmouthdisease. The Scottish Government remains committed tae safeguairding livestock an ensurin the fermin sector’s resilience against this threit.