Only herd of bison shot dead amid fears ofTB
SCOTLAND’s only herd of farmed bison has been slaughtered amid fears the animals could spread a potentially deadly disease.
Forty-three bison were shot after a routine check by government vets found evidence that some could have been carrying tuberculosis.
Bovine TB is an infectious disease that mainly affects cattle but can be passed to other animals and, more rarely, to humans.
The herd of American plains bison had been built up over the past nine
‘We’re devastated – the
venture is truly over’
years in Kincardineshire to feed a growing demand for exotic meats.
Herd owners Scott Shand and his wife Shelagh Bonner-Shand, who established the Caledonian Bison company at Muchalls, near Stonehaven, in 2005, but moved it to Deeside last year, said they were furious their animals had been put down.
No explanation had been given as to why the whole herd had to be slaughtered, they said, and they questioned the nature of the test.
Miss Bonner-Shand said: ‘We are devastated and can’t understand the decision. We were the only breedstock of bison in the country and now it’s all gone. The venture is truly over. The lack of communication is appalling. We have repeatedly queried the validity and reliability of the tests applied to our herd.’ On May 6, Mr Shand asked for a meeting with the veterinary inspectors. An emailed reply on Friday May 9 said their complaint was being looked at and a reply would follow within 15 days. But the slaughter went ahead last Tuesday – May 13. The couple also claim that the majority of their herd was clear using two normal tests – a skin test and blood test. The only test which all the animals failed was one for antibodies, which the couple knew nothing about.
Miss Bonner-Shand said they had complied with every TB test required since the herd was started and it was the only one in Scotland that met health standards required to sell animals for breeding.
She added: ‘Bovine TB should be eradicated, but the system of testing must be consistent and in accordance with published policy and guidelines. We do not feel this was the case here.
‘Would a normal cattle herd have been slaughtered in the same circumstances?’
In 2012 the couple won the Grampian Food Innovation Award for a ‘stand out’ product for their steaks, diced beef and bison burgers.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Tests have confirmed the widespread presence of TB infection. As a consequence the remaining animals have been slaughtered. There are no implications for Scotland’s official TB-free status arising from this herd slaughter, no public health implications.’
The Shands will be compensated for their loss of stock.