The Scottish Government takes a science based approach to its development of animal health and welfare policy. As a result of confirmed cases of Foot and Mouth disease in August 2007 and then in September 2007, movement restrictions were put in place to protect Scottish interests given the uncertainty as to source of disease and its potential spread. In disease control situations, as our understanding of the epidemiological picture improves it is possible to lift some of the restrictions through the issuing of licences. Many of these licences include associated requirements to help minimise risks to be associated with movements.
Veterinary risk assessments: