General Disease Control
The Executive's policy on disease control is that prevention is better than cure. This approach works by reducing the chances of a disease entering the animal population, and if it does then it can be quickly spotted and dealt with through the preventative measures. Animals therefore suffer less, while the livestock industry can work without the expensive, stressful, and restrictive disruptions caused by largescale disease outbreaks.
Below is a list of the areas that this section covers, along with a short introduction to each. More detailed information on each area can be accessed through the menu on the left.
Biosecurity
The Scottish Executive has prepared guides on some simple precautions that can be undertaken to help reduce the risk of a disease outbreak among your animals
Feed Controls
Details of the controls relating to the feeding of ruminants with all forms of mammalian protein, meat and bone meal.
Movement Restrictions
Information on the licenses and standstill periods required when moving animals.
Transport of Animals
Details of the requirements for cleansing and disinfecting methods of transport that have been used to move animals.
Veterinary Surveillance
This is vital in maintaining awareness of the threat of animal disease. It can detect emerging diseases, monitor changing patterns of endemic disease and give early warning of exotic diseases which may pose a threat to the animal population.
Advice on the use of Veterinary Medicines
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is responsible for the safe, and effective use of veterinary medicinal products in the UK. The VMD website contains advice on the protection of public health, animal health, the environment, and the promotion of animal welfare by assuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of veterinary medicines. The VMD website includes specific advice on Sheep Dips. For further information on this subject please visit the VMD website.