Fears have been raised surrounding a worrying outbreak of Foot and Mouse Disease in Germany.
Finlay Carson, MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, has urged the Scottish Government to do everything in its power to prevent the disease reaping havoc once again.
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions yesterday he spoke how his constituency had been the most severely hit in the outbreak in 2001.
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP also recalled how his family farm had been directly impacted by the earlier crisis.
Mr Carson told MSPs: “My brother and I were directly affected with our farm only a stones-throw from one of the first farms affected in Scotland and coming under movement restrictions for months.
“The economic cost was not the only long term legacy with the emotion scars still deeply felt when across the rural communities I represent.
“I vividly remember the heart wrenching calls to friends, neighbours who had received the news that their livestock was to be destroyed.”
He continued: “For weeks on end the acrid smoke from the pyres invaded households and touched every life whether connected- to our farming community or not.”
The MSP pressed the First Minister over what discussions the Scottish Government has had with its UK counterparts and the National Farmers Union of Scotland to ensure everything is done to prevent the disease once again reaping havoc.
He said: “I would particularly draw the First Ministers’ attention to concerns that the Republic of Ireland could inadvertently become the back door through which the disease could return via the ports at Cairnryan.”
Mr Swinney confirmed that “active discussions” are held constantly between the Scottish and UK Governments.
He said: “A case of foot-and-mouth disease has emerged in Germany, so the issue is live and topical.
“The Scottish Government will take all necessary steps to ensure that we are properly engaged in the process, and we will engage stakeholders to ensure that the terrible circumstances that Mr Carson reminds us of, which took place 24 years ago, are not repeated.
“The chief veterinary officer of the Scottish Government is actively involved in those issues, as are ministers.”
