Bovine TB - Proposal to introduce changes to compensation arrangements in Scotland and update the Tuberculosis (Scotland) Order 2007 on other disease control measures

Overview

This consultation sets out a number of proposed amendments to the Tuberculosis (Scotland) Order 2007 and seeks views on specific proposals to introduce changes to the way we pay compensation for bovine TB in Scotland.

Why your views matter

In 2009 Scotland achieved Officially Tuberculosis Free (OTF) status which is a unique position within GB and one that is highly valued by the Scottish cattle industry.

The Scottish Government is therefore committed to a comprehensive, practical and proportionate programme of actions in order to maintain our current low levels of TB and to safeguard our OTF status.

In 2009 Scotland achieved Officially Tuberculosis Free (OTF) status in recognition of the low and stable incidence of TB found in Scottish herds and the Scottish Government is committed to a comprehensive practical and proportionate programme of actions in order to maintain our current low levels of TB and to safeguard our OTF status.

Defra and the Welsh Government have already either introduced, or are consulting on, similar measures which has highlighted the need to review the Tuberculosis (Scotland) Order 2007 and bovine TB compensation system to ensure it continues to incentivise compliance and best practice and remains financially sustainable for the future.

Download the consultation paper.

What happens next

Following the closing date, all responses will be analysed and considered along with any other available evidence to help us decide which changes will be implemented.

Where respondents have given permission for their response to be made public, they will be made available on the Scottish Government consultation web pages as soon as possible.

We aim to issue a report on this consultation process and to lay amended legislation before the Scottish Parliament during 2018.