Scotland Strengthens Animal Health Protections with New Legislative Amendments

In a proactive move to bolster animal health and disease control measures, the Scottish Government has introduced the Disease Control (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Order 2025. This legislative update seeks to address emerging animal health concerns and streamline certain existing procedures, ensuring Scotland remains at the forefront of effective disease management.

Key Highlights:

1. Tackling Avian Influenza in Mammals: The primary focus of the new order is to equip authorities with the necessary powers to handle outbreaks of the influenza virus of avian origin in mammals. This change is largely a response to recent global incidents, such as a significant outbreak in US dairy cattle during 2024-2025. The legislation introduces new measures that must be implemented at premises where such influenza is either suspected or confirmed. Importantly, it also provides compensation for mammals that must be culled due to infection or as a preventative measure.

2. Addressing Sheep Scab: The order introduces an exemption from the standstill requirement for sheep movements, specifically for those being transported for treatment of sheep scab. This exemption aligns with the existing provisions for other veterinary treatments, facilitating more efficient management of this parasitic disease.

3. Enhancing Salmonella Control: Amendments have been made to the Control of Salmonella in Poultry Order 2009 to include mandatory movement recording for laying and breeding flocks, in line with current requirements for broiler flocks. This change aims to enhance traceability and assist in veterinary investigations, thereby strengthening disease control measures.

Consultation and Compliance:

The legislative amendments reflect extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the Animal and Plant Health Agency, industry representatives through the Avian Diseases Core Group, and the Scottish Sheep Scab Working Group. The changes align with EU regulations concerning disease surveillance and control, although they go beyond current EU listings by addressing influenza in mammals.

Financial and Business Impact:

The introduction of compensation for culled mammals is a significant financial consideration. However, the amendments related to sheep movements and salmonella control are not expected to impose significant additional costs on producers, as they mainly formalize existing practices.

The Scottish Government assures that these legislative updates are compatible with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ensuring that children's rights remain a priority alongside animal health measures.

With these updates, Scotland continues its commitment to robust animal health policies, safeguarding both animal and public health against emerging disease threats.