Government launches five-week consultation into BSE status change

BOVINE spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or “mad cow disease”) is one of a group of diseases of the brain which can be fatal in a number of species, including humans.

As a result, livestock, food and feed controls have been in place since the late 1980s in the UK, which have been very effective in controlling it. That has led to Scotland being BSE-free since 2009 and now eligible to make an application for BSE Negligible Risk status as a region of the UK.

Yesterday the Scottish Government launched a fiveweek consultation, seeking the views on possible changes to Scotland’s BSE status.

Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, said: “There is considerable support for the view that if Scotland could be upgraded to BSE Negligible Risk status, it would provide an improved global image for Scottish agriculture, offering a potential advantage in terms of gaining entry into new markets. But we also need to consider all the implications of such a development and hear the views of stakeholders, including retailers, public health specialists and consumers.” MESSRS Craig Wilson Ltd sold 122 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1,200 per head (twice) and 230.3p per kg to average £884.34 and 206.8p (+1.2p on the fortnight), while 273 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1,275 and 252.7p to level at £956.96 and 211.7p (+1.4p). Seventy-four store, B&W bullocks sold to £915 and 182.7p to average £717.98 and 146.1p (+12.7p).

The firm also had 1,362 store lambs forward at the third lamb sale of the season when the top bid was £70 (four times) for pens of Beltex, and the overall sale average levelled at £60.37 (+£8.99 on the year).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 2,926 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £101 per head and 219p per kg to average 173p (-9p on the week).

There were also 5,761 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £138 for Texels and averaged £67.40 (-£2.29), while light ewes peaked at £73 for Easycare and levelled at £41.37 (-£1.79). Rams sold to £140 for a Charollais and averaged £82.51.

The firm held its annual show and sale of Scotch Mule gimmers and ewe lambs in Dumfries yesterday. The champion pen of gimmers was shown by John Guild, Laight, New Cumnock and sold for £180 apiece. Overall the 2,795 gimmers averaged £134.96 (+£8.96 on the year).

The ewe lamb section sold to £126 for a pen off Nisbet Farm, Biggar. The champion pen from Alec Kirkpatrick, Barr, Sanquhar fetched £118. The average for the 1,901 ewe lambs sold was £94.04 (+£10.14).