Scottish Government Animal Health Stakeholder Meeting

Scottish Government
Animal Health & Welfare Division

Present:

Sheila Voas (SV), acting CVO (Chair) Ian Anderson (IA) SAMW
Martyn Blissitt (MB) AHW Brian Hosie (BH2) SAC Consulting
Alastair Douglas (AD) AHW John Cousar, (JC) SDCA
Bill Hepburn (BH1) AHW Phil Flanders (PF) RHA Ltd
Gordon Struth (GS) AHW Neil McCorkindale (NM) NBAS
Fiona Eddy AHW Kathy Peebles (KP) QMS
Angela Johnston AHW Kim Willoughby (KW) MRI
Alison Seton AHW Penny Johnston (PJ) NFUS
Rebecca Miller AHW (secondee) Paul Bessell (PB) EPIC
Mick Park (MP) AHVLA Lisa Boden (LB) EPIC
Graeme Cochrane (GC) AHVLA Harriet Auty (HA) EPIC
Helen O'Neill (HO) COSLA Mike Flynn (MF) SSPCA Alistair Stott (AS) EPIC
Dominic Duckett (DD) EPIC
John Bell (JB) SBCA
Andrew Wright (AW) IAAS
David Pritchard (DP) IAAS
Lysan Eppink (LE) BCVA
Apologies: Peter Melens (PM) AHVLA
Nick Ambrose (NA) SG
Douglas Scott SFMTA
Janette Mathie SCDA
David Whiteford SFQC
Ailsa Anderson SL&E
John Cameron SBCA

1. Welcome, introductions and matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the last meeting held on 27 January 2012 were accepted without amendments.

2. AHVLA Restructure Update (MP)

• The restructure is almost complete. AHVLA Scotland is moving from a structure of the Director AHVLA Scotland being supported by four DVMs (Divisional Veterinary Managers) covering five Divisions, to the Director AHVLA Scotland being supported by the Operations Director (Tony Sykes) and three Veterinary Leads, Graeme Cochrane, Peter Melens and Mick Park. The Operations Director is responsible for the management roles previously delivered by the DVMs and the Veterinary Leads have responsibility and accountability for veterinary decisions and leadership previously delivered by the DVMs.
• PM will cover N Scotland, GC SW Scotland and MP SE Scotland. Additionally, PM will focus on exotic and endemic disease, GC on contingency planning, zoonotic disease and public health issues and MP on animal welfare and liaising with stakeholders and operational partners. The existing offices remain and stakeholders should continue to make contact with their local office by phone, e-mail or post as before. The new structure will align with that in England and Wales thus facilitating staff enhancements in the event of a disease outbreak.
• Action: MP will issue an e-mail detailing the changes to stakeholders.

3. EU Animal Health (AH) Law Update (SV)

• Member states are currently feeding in comments and a revised draft is due in autumn, further legislation will then be added. Scotland feeds in to the UK which feeds into the EU so it is crucial that stakeholder groups hold discussions with their members to ensure that the input material is fit for purpose. PJ stated there have been engagement difficulties due to last minute requests from the Commission. AW/IA pointed out that there was little being fed in on some issues such as animal movements due to the very different natures of the industries in Scotland and the rest of the UK and there is a consequent problem with a lack of influence.
• Action: The Scottish Government will establish a stakeholder group to feed into the UK and a subgroup meeting will be set up by NA. An initial meeting will take place at Saughton House within the next few weeks.

4. BVD Update (GS)

• Mandatory screening, in force from 1 April, is progressing well. Test methods are currently being refined and the database is nearly ready. The 1 December 2012 start date for stage three of the eradication scheme has probably been pushed back to February 2013 due to a requirement to notify the European Commission of a technical standard.
• A consultation paper will be published shortly and will be available for comment for 3 months; it is vital stakeholders respond both positively and negatively in order to ensure the scheme's effectiveness.
• There are three main elements:
a) a ban on knowingly moving PIs (legal interpretations of “knowingly” and “PI” are still to be clarified);
b) declaration of BVD status prior to cattle movements using one of three categories for individual or herd status (individual cattle that test negative for virus should be movable); and
c) movement controls on non-negative herds will mean that cattle can only be moved if they have been individually virus tested or if they are going for slaughter. These may be regionalised since there are considerable variations in infection rates across Scotland.
• NM commented that the success of the scheme is very dependent upon the goodwill of farmers. GS observed that there is no desire to move against the wishes of the industry but significant levels of resistance and consequent movement restrictions will be problematic. There is a question over how those who refuse to cooperate should be dealt with.
• AW stated that it is vital that markets have access to a database of information on herd / individual animal status to provide a second check in addition to farmer declarations.
• Concern was expressed over movement controls on not-negative herds as this will exclude those farmers from selling through livestock markets until they have achieved non-negative status or individually tested animals.
• SV observed that the scheme is being established at the request of the industry to address industry needs. It is for industry to support it to ensure it remains viable. Thanks were expressed to the Working Group and BVD Group for their invaluable input.

5. Vet Surveillance Update (SV)

A Strategic Management Board established to oversee surveillance in Scotland met two weeks ago to focus on scene setting and scoping. A second meeting will take place in late May/early June to look at surveillance provision. The group includes Colin Manson of the NFUS, Freda Scott-Park, a former president of the BVA and Dominic Mellor, Professor of Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health and representatives of the current providers.

6. Sheep Scab Update (MB)

• The results of the first year of the Sheep Scab Order are currently being written up and will be published in the Veterinary Times. England and Wales are considering implementing a similar strategy.
• There were 144 notifications of sheep scab during this period (and a further 250 as of 30 April 2012). These were widely distributed across Scotland. However, it is likely that these figures represent just a fraction of the true total; up to 15% of sheep holdings may be infected.
• There have been 14 statutory motions in 7 local authority areas for non-notification and non-treatment. Local authorities have enhanced powers to serve notices on the minority who are still not treating or slaughtering infected animals.
• Some flocks have suffered repeat infections and it would be useful to examine what is happening in these areas.
• There was discussion around ways of encouraging farmers to report sheep scab. BH suggested that agricultural merchants should be prompted to remind farmers to report the disease. PJ stated that she had flyers and leaflets available and those who are interested in these can obtain these from her.
• There was discussion around the benefits of attaining and sustaining infection-free status and where and how this can be achieved.

7. Bovine Tuberculosis Update (MB)

• Thanks were expressed to the AHVLA for successful implementation of risk-based routine bTB testing from 1 January.
• Around one third of Scotland's herds have been designated exempt and the relevant farmers have received letters giving notification of their status.
• The 2011 bTB figures remained sufficiently low to maintain Scotland's official bTB free status. There were 13 new breakdowns including 4 due to cattle imported from Northern Ireland and 4 due to imports from England. 5 cases were not linked to imported cattle. 9 cases were discovered at abattoirs and 4 through testing: 3 of these by routine tests and 1 by post-import testing. 7 breakdowns were handled by the Ayr AH office, 4 by Perth, 1 by Inverness and 1 by Galashiels.
• A significant breakdown occurred in a closed dairy herd in W Lothian. The presence of, a common TB strain was confirmed by a positive culture result and 61 animals were slaughtered. Contiguous testing of neighbouring farms has proved negative to date (although 1 farm remains to be tested) and there is no evidence of a significant reservoir within local wildlife. Further skin tests will be carried out in June to confirm that the outbreak has been halted. It should be noted that such an event is not without precedent and it does not adversely affect Scotland's OTF status.
• AW raised the issue of cattle imported from high incidence areas entering markets and the need for a database to monitor cattle movements. Examining passports is time- consuming.
• The AHVLA informs public health authorities about outbreaks of zoonotic disease, including bTB.
• Regarding herds placed under bTB restrictions, around 12 cases are confirmed and around 35 unconfirmed are disclosed annually. Short-term restrictions are also placed on some herds due to overdue testing.
• There are no plans to test wildlife in breakdown areas. This has not been done in the past, post mortem results in wildlife are often are often difficult to interpret and there is no evidence to suggest the presence of wildlife reservoirs within Scotland.

8. Brucellosis Testing Update (BH)

• Currently producer/retailer brucellosis testing is carried out by the AHVLA at no cost. The SG are considering whether to bring in legislation to share the costs of routine milk testing with producer/retailers, in line with current arrangements for the rest of the milk industry. There will be a consultation process if the legislative route is followed.

9. Cost Sharing and Responsibility (BH1)

• Legislation will be brought forward soon and the SG is currently collating evidence to examine how this process works across Europe. Discussions will take place with Defra and an update will be provided in due course.
• Where possible and feasible this initiative will be tied in with the proposed EU Animal Health law, but because of timescales some steps, such as updating fees for the poultry health scheme, will be implemented in advance of the EU law.
• The AH budget was devolved in April 2011 and the present agreement lasts until 2014/15. During this period there is an obligation to spend money back with Defra agencies. Following 2015, Scotland will be required to bid for funds from the Scottish 'Block' but there will be fewer restrictions on how that money is subsequently spent. It was suggested that other providers may be able to do some testing more economically. This could risk destabilising the AHVLA which could increase overall costs and compromise capacity needed in the event of a disease outbreak. However, the matter is being looked at.

10. Bluetongue Update (AD)

• The Commission plans to allow member states to use inactivated vaccines in free areas. Unlike live vaccines, these do not carry the risk of disease spread. Vaccines for serotypes 1, 2, 4 and 8 have either UK or EU market authorisation but the Bluetongue Scotland Order must be amended to allow their use.
• The number of cases has dropped significantly, from 45000 across the EU in 2008 to 39 in 2011. N Europe no longer has a single BTV8 restriction zone although BTV-1&8 zones remain in France, Spain and Italy.
• The SG believes livestock producers should have the opportunity to protect their animals if they so wish. England and Wales are carrying out similar discussions, however it is anticipated that Northern Ireland will not allow vaccination in a free area.
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 1266/2007 (bluetongue surveillance, monitoring, control and movement restrictions) has also been amended and the changes were agreed by SCoFCAH. Changes included the deletion of The Low Risk Area concept which has has been replaced by a Provisionally Free Area.
• SG remains cautious about allowing moves based solely on vector proof establishments. An EU working group has been set up to look at vector-proof establishments guidelines.
• Action: The SG has 6 months to adopt the EU legislative amendments allowing vaccination with an inactivated vaccine in free areas and now seeks industry opinion on a bluetongue vaccination policy. Following these views and agreement from Scottish Ministers, SG aims to transpose the measures into legislation and bring them into force by the beginning of July 2012 [post meeting note: this is now likely to be September 2012].
• BH suggested that only a small number of farmers keeping valuable animals would be interested and there may be problems differentiating seropositive vaccinated animals and infected animals through blood testing.
• NM asked whether improved vaccines would be provided as there had been issues with the existing vaccines. PJ asked about flexibility in the timing of vaccination. A system exists for reporting adverse reactions, research has been carried out on these but no substantial evidence found to suggest vaccines are causing animal health problems.

11. Foot and Mouth Disease Update (AD)

• Last year exercise Silver Birch tested GB's response capability in the event of an outbreak. The SG commited to review its FMD strategy; in particular, that of vaccination, movement licences, carcase disposal and access to the countryside:
• FMD vaccination – SG economists have produced a first draft paper around three scenarios and a report has been submitted to EPIC to incorporate into their work.
• General movement licences – EPIC are reassessing the associated veterinary risk assessments (VRAs). Those relating to access to the countryside have been completed and will be sent to the other UK administrations along with other VRAs associated with movements in a restricted zone. They will be then be passed to an expert group for approval. There is an outstanding VRA assessing risks associated with moving carcasses from an infected premises for disposal, this will be completed in May. Another is examining the possibility of camelids contracting/transmitting FMD, a report is due autumn 2012.
• The VRAs are qualitative, but during the next 4 years EPIC may be able to add quantitative data to some of those VRAs.
• Carcass disposal – a cost benefit analysis is being reviewed and it is expected to be completed by the end of May. An AHVLA demo and discussion on transportation of carcasses from an infected premises for disposal will take place on 13 June near Alloa, places are restricted to 25. Invitations will be sent out to those who have expressed an interested in the next couple of weeks.
• Access in restricted/surveillance and protection zones – NFUS concerns over access to the countryside in a disease outbreak will be addressed by an SG/AHVLA workshop at SASA on 27 June; invites have been sent out to the participants. The FMD contingency plan (appendix 4) will be reviewed at the workshop to ensure it is fit for purpose; access issues, communications and roles and responsibilities for policy delivery during an FMD outbreak will also be reviewed. The revised model risk assessment form will be reviewed by a subgroup of the DAG (Disease Access Group) before the event.

12. Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) Update (SV)

• As of Friday 27 April, 251 holdings (218 sheep and 33 cattle) had been infected in midge incursion risk areas and some local spread is likely. To date all cases have been seen in lambs/calves born recently and no cases have been observed in adult animals.
• It is uncertain whether the virus has overwintered, PCR tests do not indicate this but there may be further cases as spring progresses.
• The affected counties include W Sussex where 8.3% of sheep holdings have been affected and Suffolk where 1.14% of cattle holdings are affected. In most counties the number of infected holdings is generally 1-2% so only a small number of holdings in each county are reporting cases and only small numbers of animals on each holding have been affected.
• Infection rates in Europe are now slowing but more infections are being seen in cattle than in sheep and there have also been cases in goats.
• A serological test has now been developed. This is useful at herd level but not sensitive enough to pinpoint individual animals. None of the cases so far has occurred in an imported animal. KW stated that Moredun Research Institute is still running PCR but there have been no positives to date from 100 tests.
• Tests have been conducted on German sheep farmers and there is no evidence of zoonotic transmission but the tests have yet to be validated. Serological responses in deer have been reported by the Germans but the significance of this is unknown.

13. EPIC Schmallenberg Update (PB)

• It was reported that SBV has been isolated in 2 midge species which are abundant in Scotland. Two risk assessments have been completed and will continue to be updated. There is a focus on movements of infected live stock from England/elsewhere and the risk of windborne transport of infected insect vectors into Scotland.
• Epidemiological modelling is being used to model a range of speeds of spread. Low levels of disease are observed with respect to lamb deformities due to the limited overlap of sheep pregnancies with the midge season but cattle servicing has a much greater overlap with midge activity. There may be an increased epidemic in cattle compared to sheep by 2013 if cattle are as susceptible but this is still an unknown.
• EPIC is looking at the possible benefit of deploying a serological test to time servicing and tupping to minimise infection risk. Autumn calvings are at low risk, those in June – August carry a higher risk.
• KW pointed out that gaining an understanding of the virus and its vectors is crucial as virus in vectors detected by PCR is not necessarily virally competent; the efficiency of viral replication within vectors is still an unknown.

14. AOB

• Age of Lambs at Slaughter (SV) – Defra is collecting data on age at slaughter and will be sending out questionnaires to Scottish sheep farmers who are being urged to fill these in and return them. The data will be used by the UN Climate Change Committee to improve annual estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from UK agriculture.
• Splitting of Sheep Carcasses (IA) – Sheep carcasses over 12 months old must be split for spinal cord removal and age is determined by examination of the mouth/teeth. Diet affects the condition of teeth so this is not an accurate method of establishing age and lambs may be erroneously designated as being over 12 months leading to considerable financial losses. To date, no evidence has been found to support the idea that BSE exists in sheep linked to BSE therefore the rules need to be reassessed. An FSA risk assessment on splitting carcasses based on scientific evidence gathered over 15 years would be welcomed by the industry. MB stated that it was recognised that an exit strategy is needed but the SG is constrained by the EU since some states still have concerns over scrapie/BSE. The EU also continues to have reservations about the feeding of animal protein by-products to other species but lobbying on this issue will continue on the back of a dramatically reduced incidence of disease. Industry noted there is a need to increase political pressure and lobbying on these issues and there was discussion around how this might be best achieved and how the remaining TSE controls should be dealt with.
• Action: SV will speak to the SG TSE team and will discuss the issue with the other UK CVOs so that it can be taken forward on a GB basis if possible.
• Washing Out Facilities at Abattoirs (PJ) – Hauliers are encountering difficulties accessing facilities at some abattoirs and abattoir facilities are also highly variable in terms of their quality. Hauliers have to resort to using facilities at auction marts or at home thus incurring additional travel time and costs. However, some markets are restricting such access since they do not fully recover the costs. KP commented that QMS had commissioned shadow inspections to investigate the problem. SV met with QMS and the FSA in February. Two legislations exist, AHVLA and FSA, neither specifies quality standards which facilities must meet. There was discussion around how these problems might be addressed. SV commented that tackling these issues may make the situation worse in the short term unless the FSA is supportive. Industry needs to provide a solution and find means of enforcing availability / high standards. The Scottish Government will discuss further with FSA(S) and report to the next meeting.
• Transport of Lame Sheep Washing (PJ) – It was suggested that a working group be created to formulate a protocol to inform sheep keepers and clarify the legislation on the transport of lame sheep.
• Action: Those interested in becoming involved should inform PJ.

The next meeting will take place in the summer and we will trawl for dates by Doodle poll.