Lorn and Mid-Argyll NFU Scotland branches have forwarded a resolution to the livestock committee, calling for action to tackle knowingly infected animals being sold on. They want to see a voluntary code of practice that will ensure animals with a known disease status are only sold through the cull ring.

According to the resolution, farmers are concerned that breeding sheep known to have Maedi Visna and calves with IBR have been sold at auction

They also want the animal’s disease status to be announced by the vendor. The branches would like to link breaches of the code of practice to affect a farm’s assurance status.

According to the resolution, farmers are concerned that breeding sheep known to have Maedi Visna and calves with IBR have been sold at auction. It states that “well-known sheep farmers have apparently sold breeding sheep through public auctions following a breakdown of their Maedi Visna status, in an attempt to clear out infected animals. Our members believe that there is something fundamentally wrong with our industry and our auction system that allows this practice to happen”.

The branch members state that the hidden cost of this practice is born by farmers and crofters who buy in good faith, and may face years of consequences.

Morally wrong

“This is a really good example of an issue raised by local members that’s now being discussed across the regions. We are not looking to legislate, but morally, in this day and age, this type of practice cannot be tolerated,” said Lorn branch chair Euan Warnock.

The cow was from a reputable breeder, but as it left the ring someone whispered to me the animal was sold because it was positive for IBR

He added that farmers can’t buy in good faith if information is being withheld at sales: “We bought a cow with a calf at foot at Oben through a general purpose sale within the breeding part of the catalogue. The cow was from a reputable breeder, but as it left the ring someone whispered to me the animal was sold because it was positive for IBR.”

Argyll farmers demand action

NFU Scotland livestock policy manager John Armour has said: “NFU Scotland is a member-led organisations and branch resolutions are a key internal tool for policy ideas to be fed up to the national level. This constructive resolution from the Lorn and Mid-Argyll branches will be discussed by the national NFU Scotland livestock committee on 21 May.

“Ahead of this meeting, it’s good to see pro-active discussions of the resolution taking place at regional monitor meetings, to ensure that the NFU Scotland livestock committee is fully aware of regional views before it comes to a decision on the best way to proceed.”

The committee is due to discuss the resolution on Wednesday 16 May.