Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has called on the Scottish Government’s agencies to assist Scottish farmers to ensure that the Schmallenberg virus does not spread to Scotland. MSP Murdo Fraser wants to see the retention of all of Scotland’s eight Disease Surveillance Centres. The Kinnaird Report recently suggested the gradual closure of some of the eight Disease Surveillance Centres across Scotland which could severely limit Scotland’s ability to detect and monitor diseases such as Schmallenberg disease. The Schmallenberg virus is currently spreading through livestock in England having originated in Holland and Germany. Murdo Fraser said: “Our agricultural industry is a national asset and we must do all that we can to protect our Fife and Perthshire farmers and their livestock. “It is vital that the detection and diagnosis of this disease is reported rapidly to protect our livestock. In order for this to be achieved I believe it is essential that all eight of the Disease Surveillance Centres in Scotland remain open so we can continue to track this virus. “Farming is a business but it is also a way of life for many families in Fife and Perthshire. That is why the Scottish Government must undertake the most serious of consultations before carrying through any further recommendations of the Kinnaird Report. If we are to effectively monitor and fight the spread of the Schmallenberg virus and other similar diseases these centres must not close without an absolute certainty that the speed of detection, diagnosis and reporting is not adversely affected.” ENDS - The Schmallenberg virus emerged last August and first appeared in adult cattle in Holland and Germany. It was later found in sheep, cattle and goats in those countries and Belgium in December, although it affects all animals differently.- The virus has also been found to cause cattle, sheep, and goats to abort late in their pregnancies, or has resulted in stillbirths. Calves and lambs have been born with severe malformations of the limbs, damage to the spinal cord and fused joints. Animals born without deformities may have damage with their nervous system.- so far there are 83 reported cases in England and none in Scotland.- Kinnaird report: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/11/09091744/0