Limited extension to compulsory vaccination deadline
Following feedback from both stakeholder organisations and the series of bluetongue road shows held in late 2008, the Scottish Government has granted limited extensions to the compulsory vaccination deadline for two groups of animals - cattle and sheep on uninhabited islands, and very remote hill flocks north and west of the Great Glen.
These extensions, for 2009 only, will be granted to a small number of keepers of hill sheep who are unable to vaccinate their animals by 30 April due to animal welfare issues related to gathering heavily pregnant ewes and ewes with newborn lambs at foot. Keepers of sheep or cattle kept on uninhabited islands who are unable to gain access to vaccinate these animals by 30 April may also apply.
The extensions will apply to:-
Remote hill flocks north and west of the Great Glen, where the farm's veterinary surgeon supports the case that gathering to vaccinate by 30 April would cause welfare problems. Vaccination must be carried out by 30 June.
Sheep and cattle kept on uninhabited islands which are not visited at this time of year. Vaccination must be carried out by 30 June or as soon as the island can be visited.
To obtain an extension, keepers must submit an application to their local Animal Health Office by 1 April. The application form and guidance are available at:
Application form for Remote Hill flocks extension (including guidance for keepers and vets)
Declaration from for Uninhabited Island extension