The Scottish Government

Separation periods

There are legislative requirements for operating an authorised separation facility under the Animal Disease Control Movement Restrictions. The most suitable period will vary according to the disease perceived to constitute the major threat. In many cases 13 to 20 days, depending on animal, will provide sufficient time for diseases to become apparent. In other cases such as brucellosis, incoming breeding heifers may need to be kept apart from the main herd until they have calved normally, up to a year after purchase.

Separation and Isolation

The following points are a basic guide to biosecurity, separation and isolation. You should also read the Legislative requirements under the Animal Disease Control Movement Restrictions.

• Keep new animals separate from the rest of your herd/stock until your vet is sure they carry no disease. In many cases 13-20 days depending on animal, will provide sufficient time for disease to become apparent. In other cases, for example brucellosis, incoming breeding heifers may need to be kept apart from the main herd until they have calved normally, up to a year after purchase.
• Minimise nose to nose contact with neighbouring stock.

• Have stock proof boundaries.

• Check boundaries regularly.
• Prevent animals from straying onto roads.
• If common grazings are used try to isolate incoming stock before turning them onto common grazings.
• Keep visitors and their vehicles away from livestock.
• At the first sign of illness isolate sick animals, with the dam if appropriate, and check all the other animals in the herd/flock etc. Thereafter, handle isolated stock last.

• Newly born animals are particularly susceptible to disease so make sure that designated calving and lambing areas are regularly cleansed and disinfected.

Please also seeGuidance on buying in animals

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