The Scottish Government could cut compensation for those who move cattle illegally onto TB-restricted herds – or not pay compensation at all – in the event of a reaction or outbreak.

The Government is seeking industry views on reduced compensation for overdue testing, changes to post-movement testing rules, a cap on compensation for individual animals and the introduction of a threshold above which valuations for pedigree cattle have to be justified.

NFU Scotland has welcomed the consultation, saying that the union has received calls from members looking for a tightening of the rules on high-risk movements.

Livestock Health Scotland chair Nigel Miller said that with TB moving closer to the border, policy has to stay one step ahead of the disease. “If the industry is carrying the cost of prevention, the government has to make sure it manages risks. Given the risk levels in Cumbria, we need contingency planning,” Miller added.

The consultation closes on 30 November, 2017.