Devastating cattle disease bovine tuberculosis has been detected in a dairy herd in Scotland, which is officially bTB-free. Cattle in a herd in Upper Nithsdale, Dumfriesshire had contracted the disease.

The Scottish government confirmed the outbreak, though said that, as testing is ongoing, the number of animals affected is not yet known. A spokesperson for the Scottish government said that, “the case is being investigated, but there do not appear to be any implications for Scotland’s bovine TB-free status.”

The outbreak detected this week follows another in West Lothian in April where over 60 cattle were slaughtered after having tested positive for the disease. The source of the April outbreak remains unknown.

Scotland’s TB-free status is not thought to be under threat, as the status allows for a small number of outbreaks; cases of bTB infection have been below average this year in the country. In contrast to Scotland, bTB is widespread in England and Wales.

The Scottish government has said the case serves as a reminder to be vigilant and to follow best practice, supporting a regular on-farm testing regime with good disease surveillance. Scotland’s Shadow Envirnoment Minister Claudia Beamish commented on the situation, “Any outbreak of bovine TB is concerning but we can be confident that the testing regime in Scotland works well. The priority now is for the outbreak to be investigated to find out its cause and prevent any further spreading.”

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