Scots calf trade on horns of UK TB dilemma

Published on Thursday 24 July 2008 21:56

THE modern dairy cow is a great producer of milk, but the bull calves she breeds have limited potential in terms of beef value.

Before the resumption of live exports to mainland Europe two years ago most black and white bull calves born in the UK were shot shortly after birth. The economics of rearing them for beef were simply unsustainable.

The export trade has been building up rapidly in recent months, with at least 1,000 calves a week being traded between Scotland and the Netherlands, and a smaller number destined for Belgium. These calves were reared for veal and slaughtered at three to four months old.

However, this month a batch of calves from England tested positive for bovine tuberculosis on 27 farms. This caused a huge stir in the Netherlands, which has been almost totally clear of this disease for some years. Several of the leading importers immediately decided to stop importing UK calves.

There is a view, voiced by Siem-Jan Schenck, chairman of the department of cattle with the Dutch Agricultural Board, that no more calves should be imported into the Netherlands.

He said: "Countries are allowed to export livestock free of TB. In England, the control and registration of bovine TB is not organised sufficiently, so it is possible cattle from infected farms are still exported. To prevent further spread, Brussels should impose an export ban."

Veal production is big business in the Netherlands and sources have indicated the country would still be willing to import UK calves, provided they came from herds subject to an annual test for TB.

That is where the big problem arises for Scotland, where TB is not an issue.

Testing for TB in most of England is carried out yearly at government expense. In Scotland herds are subject to a check only once every four years. It would appear Scottish farmers who wish to export bull calves would have to pay for tests in the gap years. The bill could well run into four figures, meaning it might be cheaper to cull at birth than accept 50 per calf.

Charles Milne, Scotland's chief vet, was in Brussels on Wednesday at a meeting of the standing committee on the food chain and animal health, arguing for common sense and an appreciation of Scottish circumstances.

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: "We are aware of Dutch concerns, but understand that no additional safety measures will be required."

Further discussions are anticipated, but the UK appears to have a major problem: it will be up to the relevant Scottish representatives to make their case for a clear derogation.