Strict movement rules to prevent the spread of BVD have been relaxed to allow the sale of cattle for slaughter at markets.
On June 1 the Scottish Government moved on to the next phase of its BVD eradication scheme by placing movement restrictions on animals from herds which were classed as ‘not negative’ or those with no valid annual herd status recorded.
The rules meant these animals would have to be individually tested before moving, unless they were going direct to slaughter.
Now following weeks of negotiation between the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland, Scottish Government and an industry-led BVD working group, the rules have been relaxed.
Certain auction marts in Scotland – including Thainstone, Caithness, Huntly and Dingwall – will now be able to sell cattle from herds without a BVD-free status for slaughter without the need for individual testing.
Aberdeen and Northern Marts executive director John Gregor said: “We are very pleased with this recent adjustment which will allow farmers more flexibility to trade their stock through auction marts in this interim period.
“However, I would urge all farmers with a not negative status to push on with testing of store cattle and weaned calves ahead of the autumn sales season to minimise the disruption to their regular sales pattern.”
The derogation comes into effect on Monday July 6 and lasts until the end of the year.