Dog threat to farm animal health causes concern

Dog walkers who exercise their pets in the countryside need to be made aware of the threat they pose to farm animals, NFU Scotland has warned.

The union has met with key stakeholders to discuss the rise in abortions in cattle due to the disease Neospora, which is spread through the faeces from infected dogs.

There is also a worrying increase in the incidence of Sarcocystosis in cattle and sheep.

The parasite responsible for this disease, which can cause illness and death, is similarly spread through dog faeces contaminating pasture.

NFU Scotland vice-president and qualified vet, Nigel Miller said the problem needed to be nipped in the bud by raising awareness of the issue.

“For those walking or working with dogs in the country, there is a need to recognise the danger that their animal may pose to the health of farm animals and ask them in particular to collect and deposit all faeces.”

But Mr Miller said farmers must also play their part as dogs initially become infected with Neospora through the ingestion of contaminated livestock material, such as placentas from newly calved cows.

“Because of its role in the diseases, all fallen stock should be disposed of promptly and, if practical, placental material should be collected when cows are calving outside to minimise the risk of it being eaten by dogs. Failure to do these simple tasks can perpetuate the lifecycle of the parasites responsible for Neosporosis and Sarcocystosis.

“To help farmers, we have pledged, along with other stakeholders, to produce a briefing note highlighting the risks that dogs can pose to livestock health and what measures can be taken on farm to minimise the threat of infection.”