To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken or is taking to protect Scotland against bluetongue.
Post-import testing of all livestock coming to the UK from bluetongue-affected countries on the European continent has been in place since bluetongue was found in the Netherlands in 2006.
In Scotland we have, in addition, a post-movement notification system for all susceptible animals that have been in any bluetongue restricted zone within the previous 60 days. The Scottish Government has also made it a requirement that animals entering Scotland from any restricted zone under conditions of vaccination must be accompanied by a certificate that proves vaccination by a veterinarian. These additional provisions provide protection from domestic as well as foreign bluetongue-infected areas.
Finally, in light of the recent spate of infected imports to England and Wales, I have, in agreement with industry stakeholders, committed Scotland to launching a vaccination campaign against BTV8 this winter. This will not commence before the 1 November 2008. Twelve million doses of vaccine have been secured by the Scottish Government on behalf of industry and the first batch of 1 million is available for contingency purposes only; the rest of the order will be made available once the campaign is launched. The Scottish Government is supporting the first year of the campaign by paying 50% of the cost of the vaccine from the manufacturer.
Whilst the Scottish Government is undertaking significant work to protect Scotland against bluetongue it remains important that animal keepers recognise their role and, in particular, avoid sourcing stock from high risk areas.