South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle has called for the Scottish Government to step up its disease surveillance and measures to support farmers facing outbreaks of disease in their livestock.
His call comes as an Ayrshire farmer became one of the first in Scotland to be hit by the Schmallenberg virus. The farm, near Dundonald, lost as many as 92 of its 152 lambs to the disease during this year’s lambing season.
The number of cases of Schmallenberg, which can cause stillbirths and birth defects in sheep and cattle, isn’t known for certain as farms aren’t required to notify authorities if they have it, but Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer has said it is one of a number of diseases causing concern. This includes the risk from a new strain of bluetongue, which can kill adult animals.
During First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood, Brian asked the First Minister to consider closer monitoring of the spread of diseases like Schmallenberg and even funding the delivery of a vaccine.
Speaking after First Minister’s Questions, Brian Whittle MSP said:
“Scotland’s farmers are already facing a huge number of challenges to their business, from rising costs to Labour’s inheritance tax proposals.
Being hit by a disease outbreak can be devastating for farmers, making it harder to earn a living or even, in the worst case, potentially having to cull their herd.
There are no guarantees in farming, but the Scottish Government should be doing all they can do reduce risks and provide greater protection for farms, whether that’s by wider vaccination or wider and more effective monitoring so farms can respond more quickly.”
