Foot and Mouth Disease
Guidance Regarding Livestock Shows in Scotland
Foot and mouth disease has been confirmed on a farm in England. As part of the control measures there is an immediate ban on the movement of all foot and mouth disease susceptible animals. This list of susceptible species includes cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, deer, rodents (other than pets) as well as camels, llamas, guanaco, vicuna, alpacas and elephants.
Any susceptible animals already on a showground must remain until they have been inspected by a veterinary officer from the local Animal Health Office. The animals may be allowed to leave the showground under licence, provided the veterinary officer is satisfied that the animals are free of the signs of foot and mouth disease. Show organisers are advised to contact their local Animal Health Office to arrange inspections. Livestock owners are responsible for ensuring that their livestock are provided with adequate feed, water and shelter, if appropriate until their animals can return home.
Vehicles carrying animals to shows should be turned away at the entrance to the showground if possible and return to their home premises without delay.
Agricultural shows may still go ahead but only on the advice of the Divisional Veterinary Manager (DVM) but cannot include the exhibition of any susceptible animals, included in the list above. Show organisers must ensure that no-one is able to have any contact with susceptible animals which may be on the showground, except their own stockmen. Facilities must be provided to ensure that stockmen are able to cleanse and disinfect their boots, protective clothing, hands and small portable items, such as buckets.
The control measures do not prevent the holding of horse shows or events.
The national movement ban will remain in place until the disease situation is clarified.
Scottish Executive
3 August 2007