This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotsheep 2002 at Blairgowrie
31/05/2002
Tighter controls on import and movements of animals from farm to mart and higher levels of on-farm biosecurity are central to avoid another outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Scotsheep 2002 was told today.
Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie, opening the event at Mains of Mause, Blairgowrie, said that Scotland's sheep farming sector had a reputation for quality.
But he said to build on that quality, clear strategies to avoid a recurrence of FMD and robust and efficient mechanisms to deal with scrapie were instrumental in sustaining the sector.
Mr Finnie said:
"Scotsheep is an ambassador for the Scottish sheep farming sector. It gives farmers a public platform to show the quality of their produce and an opportunity to look forward and embrace the challenges which face the Scottish sheep sector.
"FMD was a tragedy for the individuals and communities involved. We cannot dwell on the outbreak or on its impact, but that does not mean that we should ignore what happened.
"I am clear what is needed. Tight controls and rigorous monitoring are vital if we are to preserve the health of our livestock. I am equally clear that this can only be delivered through my department working in close partnership with the sheep industry and livestock sector generally."
The Minister also highlighted the work of the National Scrapie Plan which he said was a prime example of establishing measures which can improve the national sheep flock.
The Minister added:
"Eradication of the disease is an element of the Forward Strategy for Scottish agriculture and the department is working in close partnership with the National Sheep Association on this very important issue."
New arrangements for the Sheep Annual Premium will see around £70 million being directed to Scottish sheep producers, as opposed to £40 million in 2001.