All people keeping cattle, sheep, goats and pigs (even if they are just as pets) are required within 30 days to be registered (and notify any changes in detail) with the appropriate authority i.e.
Sheep and Goats – notify Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD)
Cattle and Pigs – notify Divisional Veterinary Manager, State Veterinary Service
There is also a legal requirement for all commercial poultry keepers with 50 or more birds to register their premises. The voluntary registration of premises with less than 50 birds is welcomed. For further information on how to register go to the Great Britain Poultry Register link under external links section.
In the event of a disease outbreak, the precise location of all livestock is essential for effective measures to be introduced to control and eradicate highly contagious diseases.
The ever present threat of disease outbreaks means it is imperative that adequate and up to date records of animal movements are maintained by auctioneers, hauliers, farmers and crofters and others who keep livestock, as these are designed to facilitate the tracing of animal & vehicle movements in the event of disease outbreaks. Routine checks are carried out to ensure this is the case.
Rabies Controls
Illegal imports are a very possible route through which diseases, not endemic in this country, could be introduced and spread both to humans and animals (e.g. Rabies). Due to the vast coastline of the Highland Council area we rely on observant police officers and members of the public to inform us of any suspected illegal landing of animals.
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows dog, cat and ferret owners to bring their pets into Britain through designated entry points from certain qualifying countries without entering quarantine, providing they comply with certain regulations e.g. vaccinated, correct documentation, treated against specific parasites. For further information please refer to the PETS scheme with our external links section.
Sheep scab
Sheep scab is a contagious skin disease of sheep caused by a parasitic mite that can cause a severe reaction & distress to sheep. This can result in loss of condition, loss of fleece and if left untreated can cause death. Lice, mycotic dermatitis and other diseases can give similar symptoms and so it is important to get a correct veterinary diagnosis (by your own vet or SAC) and treat accordingly.
The Sheep Scab Order 1997 requires the keeper of a sheep visibly affected with sheep scab to treat all sheep in the flock, as soon as possible. Animal Health Officers can enforce the treatment of sheep for sheep scab where the disease exists and the person in charge of the sheep fails to treat.
Sheep affected with sheep scab must not be moved onto or off any premises except:
• For treatment
• For immediate slaughter
• Under the authority of a licence or Notice issued by an inspector