Fears grow over TB-free status of Scots cattle

25 June 1998

Fears grow over TB-free status of Scots cattle

THERE is growing concern about the threat to Scotlands tuberculosis-free status for cattle, with the disease spreading in parts of England and Wales.

There were 515 TB outbreaks in cattle in England and Wales last year. This compares with only five Scottish cases in the past six years.

David Mitchell, convenor of the National Farmers Union animal health and welfare committee, met Scottish Office officials to express concern.

He said if the disease could not be brought quickly under control in south-west England, then special measures must be taken to protect the rest of the country, particularly Scotland.

• The Scotsman 25/06/98 page 32