Ministers act to cut risks from visits to farms

THE Scottish Government yesterday announced a protocol designed to protect both farming and the environment from a range of pests and diseases. This programme has been produced as part of the work of Sears – Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services, which encompasses the work and efforts of nine organisations. The protocol is the first of its kind in the UK.

Richard Lochhead, the rural affairs secretary, said: "We live in an era where bio-security is paramount, not least in our rural areas. Following the dreadful scenes when foot-and-mouth disease broke out in 2001, we had a further scare down south almost two years ago, and bluetongue has arrived in England.

"We must do everything we can to limit the spread of such animal diseases, as well as problems and pests affecting plants, trees and fish. Staff from Sears organisations are undertaking regular farm visits and it is vital that everyone involved in such work is up to speed with bio-security measures."

Penny Johnston, the livestock policy manager with NFU Scotland, said: "The information, which informs staff about the risks of people visiting farms, the vehicles they travel in and the equipment they use, is accompanied by detailed information on many disease and pests.

"This is a good example of industry and government working together, particularly as the pressure of disease is never ending."