Veterinary Surveillance 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. To do this we need to look at both the national and international disease position so we know what is happening and where. This knowledge is a key element of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy whose aim is to reduce the impact of animal diseases and improve the welfare of animals kept by man. Further information on the strategy is available from the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy web page.
Veterinary Surveillance Strategy
To counter these threats, the Scottish Executive has worked with the other Administrations to produce the UK-wide Veterinary Surveillance Strategy ( www.defra.gov.uk). This will enable better targeted disease prevention measures, early detection of disease and faster response and control. Much of the infrastructure for veterinary surveillance is already in place, and will be focused and guided by stakeholder groups. Please also see the information on Domestic and International Disease Surveillance.
"The Animal Health and Welfare Strategy sets out our vision for raising standards of animal health and welfare across Scotland. Veterinary surveillance plays an important role in giving us early warning on new or increasing levels of animal disease.
Livestock keepers in Scotland need to be aware of disease threats. The launch today of the Veterinary Surveillance website will ensure everyone can access this vital information in an easy to read format. Disease profiles, pictures, maps and an A-Z list of animal diseases with links to more detailed information will help inform decision making by farmers and vets. I believe this heightened awareness among farmers will help protect Scotland's livestock from disease." Rural Development Minister, Ross Finnie.
"Where animal disease is concerned, forewarned is forearmed. Scottish farmers and veterinarians can use the new Veterinary Surveillance website to keep themselves informed of new disease threats and changing patterns of existing disease. Surveillance is not a one way process but depends on input based on the judgment and observation of livestock keepers and their veterinary surgeons, as well as the technical expertise of the laboratories. By working together we increase our chances of identifying and dealing with animal disease quickly and efficiently." Chief Veterinary Officer (Scotland), Charles Milne.
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