The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Risk of BSE in Scotland now at ‘negligible’ level
Highest health standard could increase access to export markets
Scotland’s livestock farmers and producers have achieved the lowest possible ‘risk level status’ for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), in Paris, has confirmed both Scotland and Northern Ireland now carry a risk classification of “negligible” – among the safest in the world.
The Holyrood Government said it hopes the news will help open international market access for Scottish beef exports.
“This is a significant achievement that has been many years in the making,” said rural secretary Fergus Ewing.
The Government revealed during the 2016 Royal Highland Show that it would be lobbying for the upgrade in risk status – before launching an official application to the OIE in October last year.
“Scotland has had no cases of BSE since 2009 and this announcement is testament to many people’s tireless efforts, including SAMW, our beef producers and finishers, our red meat businesses, vets, and this government,” said Mr Ewing.
“We have all worked together to maintain a system of interlocking safeguards against BSE that protects our public and animal health.”
According to the Government, with Scotland already being recognised as officially TB-free, the decision further vindicates Scotland’s reputation for supplying beef products of the highest quality, produced to the highest standards in the world.
“Having achieved ‘negligible’ risk status, Scotland has an even stronger foundation to continue to increase Scottish beef exports across the world,” said Mr Ewing.
Frank Clark, president of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW), said the farming and meat industries had made “massive efforts” to eradicate the disease north of the border.
He said: “The decision frees our industry to make full commercial use of Scotland’s high health status on behalf of producers, processors and wholesalers – opening the door to fresh marketing opportunities around the world.”
British Veterinary Association president Gudrun Ravetz praised the years of graft and joined-up efforts by the respective governments, their
This is testament to many people’s tireless efforts. FERGUS EWING
farmers, industry and vets.
“This is excellent news for Scotland and Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry, especially as we look ahead at the trade deals which will need to be forged in the coming year or two,” said Ms Ravetz.
Charlie Adam, NFU Scotland’s Livestock Committee chairman, said the union was “delighted”.
He said it marks a significant step forwards in being able to drive the demand for quality Scottish beef and remove trade barriers, providing Scotland’s farmers with a far greater potential for access to export markets.
England and Wales continue to be recognised as having “controlled” risk BSE status.
The BSE outbreak reached epidemic levels between 1986 and 1998. More than 180,000 cattle across the UK were infected and 4.4 million slaughtered during the eradication programme.