TB outbreak confirmed in herd of cattle on the Isle of Skye

An outbreak of bovine Tuberculosis (TB) has been confirmed in a herd of cattle on the Isle of Skye.

The Scottish Government yesterday confirmed the outbreak and said its source was unknown.

A Government spokesman said: “An outbreak of bovine TB has been confirmed in a herd of cattle on Skye.

“The infected herd is currently under restriction whilst further testing is undertaken. The source of the infection is under investigation.”

Farmers union NFU Scotland provided a comment from the owner of the cattle, who wishes to remain anonymous.

“The cattle that tested positive on the farm have been slaughtered and further laboratory tests are now under way to see if they have TB,” he said.

“Waiting for those results is very stressful but I want to get to the bottom of this, get my herd restrictions lifted and get my TB-free status back as quickly as possible and I will work with the authorities to do that.”

NFU Scotland said it was a “terrible time” for the affected farmer.

Government said despite the outbreak, Scotland’s status for the disease remained at TB-free.

To achieve official tuberculosis free (OTF) status, the percentage of bovine herds confirmed as infected must not exceed 0.1% of all herds per year, for six consecutive years.

The TB bacteria.