Scotland on Heich Alert as Fit an Mooth Disease Risk Rises

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

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

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Sheila Voas, expressed her concern for e fermin community. “We hinna seen fit an mooth disease in Scotland syne 2001,” she stated. Voas emphasised e importance o strict on-ferm biosecurity measures an urged fermers tae promptly report ony signs o noifiable disease. Recognisin clinical signs early is crucial, especially as sheep micht nae aye display obvious symptoms.

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie reassured e public aboot e government’s preparedness. He pynted oot robust contingency plans, tested durin Exercise Blackthorn in 2018, fit 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 further information on fit an mooth disease an biosecurity guidance, visit www.gov.scot/footandmouthdisease. E Scottish Government remains committed tae safeguairding livestock an ensurin e agricultural sector’s resilience against iss threit.