This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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TB outbreak in south Lanarkshire
21/10/2003
The Executive today confirmed that a
herd of 296 cattle at Townhead Farm, Dolphinton, South
Lanarkshire are to be culled next week after positive TB
tests.
In the course of these tests, some 63
animals have been identified as reactors and subsequently
slaughtered of which 27 have shown visible lesions typical
of TB and infection has been confirmed by laboratory tests.
Other animals may have been incubating
the disease.
The origin of the outbreak has not been
established but early indications are that it may be
associated with animals bought in from high risk areas.
Wildlife have not been indicated as a source
of disease in this case.
Ross Finnie, Minister for Environment
and Rural Development said:
"Whole herd slaughter may be unusual
but is not unknown.
The TB testing regime has proved to be
effective in detecting disease and the decisive action
taken by my Department is designed to prevent any further
spread.
Testing of animals on neighbouring premises
and forward tracings is already taking place."
Whole herd slaughter is an option that
is used when testing and slaughter of reactors does not
bring the outbreak under control rapidly or when disease is
widespread within a herd.
The last such case in Scotland was on Arran
in 1996.
The local Public Health Department has
been informed. In this case TB screening has been offered
to those who have been in contact with the animals.