Scotland: National Rural Network
Connecting Rural Scotland - Promoting Rural Growth

Farmers and vets in Scotland are being asked for their views on the current system of disease surveillance. A review into Veterinary Surveillance is being carried out to establish if the current arrangements are fit for purpose.

All veterinary surgeons working with farm animals and a random selection of farmers are being written to asking for their views. There is also an online survey that vets and farmers can complete.

The review is led by former NFU Scotland president Mr Kinnaird. He said, "This is a chance for Scotland's farmers and farm vets to give us their views on the current system of disease surveillance. We are writing to a random selection of 1,700 farmers in all livestock sectors right across Scotland and to every veterinary surgeon working with farm animals.

"We're looking for as many views as possible and any livestock farmer who doesn't receive a letter is welcome to complete the survey online."

At present, the Scottish Government funds the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) and Moredun to look for new and emerging diseases such as bleeding calf syndrome. This is done through a national network of eight disease surveillance centres around the country that offer subsidised post mortems and sample tests to farmers via their vet.

You can get further information on the Scottish Government website.