Bovine tuberculosis: consultation analysis

Summary analysis of responses to a consultation on specific proposals relating to bovine tuberculosis, including diagnostic testing, cattle movements, isolation requirements and compensation for unclean cattle.


2. Breakdown of respondent information

Proposed Changes

In Question 1 respondents were asked whether they agreed with the proposed change which would mean that no samples should be taken in Scotland for TB with the intention of applying a diagnostic test, either in Scotland or elsewhere, without permission from the Scottish Ministers.

The response was as follows:

Question 1
Option Total Percent
Yes 14 73.68%
No 5 26.32%
Not Answered 0 0.00%

In Question 2 respondents were asked whether they agreed with ending the practice of using a clear final short interval test at the end of all TB breakdowns as a valid pre-movement test, including for domestic moves into Scotland.

The response was as follows:

Question 2
Option Total Percent
Yes 15 78.95%
No 2 10.53%
Not Answered 2 10.53%

In Question 3 respondents were asked whether they supported the proposal to shorten the period during which a pre-movement test with negative results remains valid from the current 60 days to 30 days after tuberculin injection for skin testing of cattle, including for domestic moves into Scotland.

The response was as follows:

Question 3
Option Total Percent
Yes 16 84.21%
No 2 10.53%
Not Answered 1 5.26%

In Question 4 respondents were asked whether a financial penalty, such as a reduction in compensation, should be introduced for cattle which are presented as unclean at slaughter.

The response was as follows:

Question 4
Option Total Percent
Yes 12 63.16%
No 6 31.58%
Not Answered 1 5.26%

In Question 5 respondents were asked, if they agreed with a financial penalty in question 4, would they agree with a 50% reduction to compensation for cattle which are presented as unclean at slaughter and if not, what amount would they suggest that compensation should be reduced by.

The response was as follows:

Question 5
Option Total Percent
The penalty should be more than 50% 1 5.26%
I agree with a 50% reduction in compensation 6 31.58%
The penalty should be less than 50% 5 26.32%
Not Answered 7 36.84%

In Question 6 respondents were asked if they thought it would be useful to include statutory requirements for "isolation" in the TB Order to ensure that keepers of bovine animals are aware of the expectations when an animal is affected, or suspected of being infected, with TB.

The response was as follows:

Question 6
Option Total Percent
Yes 18 94.74%
No 0 0.00%
Not Answered 1 5.26%

In Question 7, respondents were asked whether they agreed with option 1 or 2 from the following options –

  • Option 1: Require isolation to be undertaken in a specific part of the premises, as specified within the notice following an Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) inspection, or
  • Option 2: Require farmers to identify a suitable location for isolation and undertake ad-hoc enforcement activity where cattle are found not to be isolated following the disclosure of a reactor or IR.

The response was as follows:

Question 7
Option Total Percent
Option 1 10 52.63%
Option 2 6 31.58%
Not Sure 2 10.53%
Not Answered 1 5.26%

In Question 8 respondents were asked whether they agree with measure 1 (below) that a reduction in compensation should be introduced for any test positive cattle which are not isolated.

Measure 1: Reduce compensation for test positive cattle when there is a failure to isolate cattle.

The response was as follows:

Question 8
Option Total Percent
Yes 10 52.63%
No 8 42.11%
Not Answered 1 5.26%

In Question 9 respondents were asked if they agreed with measure 2 (below) that a reduction in compensation should be introduced for all subsequent test positive cattle in the herd that are considered to have been infected as a result of a failure to isolate animals affected, or suspected of being infected, with TB.

Measure 2: Reduce compensation for subsequent reactors in the herd that are considered to have been infected as a result of failure to isolate test positive cattle.

The response was as follows:

Question 9
Option Total Percent
Yes 7 36.84%
No 10 52.63%
Not Answered 2 10.53%

In Question 10 respondents were asked if they would agree with a 95% reduction in compensation for a failure to isolate and if not, what amount would they suggest that compensation should be reduced by.

The response was as follows:

Question 10
Option Total Percent
The penalty should be more than 95% 1 5.26%
I agree with a 95% reduction in compensation 6 31.58%
The penalty should be less than 95% 6 31.58%
Not Answered 6 31.58%

Contact

Email: animal.health@gov.scot

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