This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Biosecurity code for animal health
21/11/2002
A Biosecurity Code that sets out practical steps to
limit the risk of serious animal diseases taking hold in
Scotland is published today.
Speaking during a visit to the one-day AgriScot event at
the Royal Highland Showground, Edinburgh, Minister for
Environment and Rural Development Ross Finnie said:
"The threat of a fresh emergence of an exotic or more
common animal disease cannot be ruled out.
"The Code explains why biosecurity is the responsibility
of everybody associated with livestock.
"It advises what to do if there is any suspicion of a
serious disease, how such disease could be spread and the
steps to reduce such risks. Above all it is pragmatic
advice.
"The Code - which will be sent to all farmers and those
with access interests - has attracted the widespread
support from stakeholders, and has been backed by the
Scottish Parliament.
"The Executive is playing its part to minimise the risk
of disease re-entering the country. A number of
initiatives, such as increased powers of seizure for local
authorities and better intelligence gathering and
dissemination, are well underway to stop the smuggling of
meat products."
The Scottish Parliament approved the Biosecurity Code
on November 7. The livestock Code forms the main part of
the publication being launched today; the other parts
relate to farm visitors and recreational users of the
countryside.
The reason for the separation is the legislation under
which the Code has been approved. A one page laminated
summary of advice in the Code is also being sent to all
farmers.