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Enhanced protection for farms and estates
24/06/2009
Scottish farmers and landowners can expect increased protection against animal and plant diseases with the publication of a new protocol today.
The protocol has been produced as part of the work of SEARS (Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services) and will assist in the training of staff across the nine SEARS organisations that may not be familiar with biosecurity measures.
The protocol is the first if its kind in the UK and has been published by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead ahead of this year's Royal Highland Show.
Richard Lochhead said:
"We live in an era where biosecurity is paramount, not least in our rural areas.
"Following the dreadful scenes when Foot and Mouth Disease broke out in 2001, we had a further scare down south two years ago, and bluetongue has also now arrived in England.
"We must do everything we can to limit the spread of such animal diseases, as well as diseases and pests affecting plants, trees and fish.
"Staff from SEARS organisations are undertaking regular farm visits and it is vital that everyone involved in such work is up to speed with biosecurity measures.
"The new protocol is an excellent example of how SEARS organisations are collaborating to deliver improvements for Scotland's land managers and I would like to thank those involved in putting it together for their efforts.
"This is also the first time in the UK that such a publication has received explicit agreement and buy-in from the agencies it covers.
"I am sure it will become a vital tool in helping prevent outbreaks and the spread of pests and diseases across rural Scotland."
Minister for Environment Roseanna Cunningham added:
"We will be using opportunities on our summer tour to raise awareness of this protocol. In the first instance it is aimed at staff in SEARS organisations.
"But over the coming year we will be making the case for other organisations who have cause to visit rural land holdings to voluntarily sign up to the protocol."
The SEARS partnership brings together nine public bodies aiming to provide Scotland's rural land managers, with an efficient and effective service.
The SEARS partners are:
- Animal Health
- Cairngorms National Park Authority
- Crofters Commission
- Deer Commission Scotland
- Forestry Commission Scotland
- Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate
- Scottish Natural Heritage