Bovine TB compensation arrangements: consultation responses

3. Introduction

About this report

This report summarises the responses received to the recent consultation on proposals to introduce legislative changes to the way we pay compensation for bovine TB reactors and to the post movement testing requirements for bovine animals coming to Scotland from high incidence TB areas.

Background to the consultation

In 2009 Scotland achieved Officially Tuberculosis Free ( OTF) status in recognition of the low and stable incidence of TB found in Scottish herds. The Scottish Government is committed to a comprehensive, practical and proportionate programme of actions in order to maintain Scotland's current low levels of TB and safeguard our officially TB free status.

Defra has already introduced provisions to reduce compensation for those keepers who have failed to carry out TB testing on time and have recently consulted on further proposed changes to payment of compensation. Wales have gone even further and recently introduced an enhanced TB Eradication Programme which links compensation to good biosecurity, husbandry practices and adherence with the rules, that allows them to reduce compensation across a number of different non-compliance issues.

This action already taken by both Defra and the Welsh Government has highlighted the need to review the Tuberculosis (Scotland) Order 2007 including the current arrangements for payment of compensation, to ensure they continue to incentivise compliance and best practice, while being financially sustainable in the future.