SCOTLAND has achieved the lowest risk level status for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). Notification of the risk classification upgrade to negligible risk status was confirmed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) in Paris.

The OIE has recognised that the official BSE risk status of both Scotland and Northern Ireland is at the safest level, a move expected to help open international market access for beef export. England and Wales continue to be recognised as having controlled risk BSE status.

Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing said: "With Scotland already being recognised as officially TB-free this decision further vindicates our reputation for supplying beef products of the highest quality, produced to the highest standards in the world, and demonstrates the OIE's acceptance that both our surveillance for, and measures against BSE are stringent."

Frank Clark, president of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) said: "Scotland has lived with BSE since 1986 and the farming and meat industries have made massive efforts to manage and eradicate the disease. Today's decision frees our industry to make full commercial use of Scotland's high-health status on behalf of producers, processors and wholesalers, opening the door to fresh marketing opportunities around the world."

Mr Clark reflected on the effects of BSE saying: "The value of the fifth quarter (hides, offal and other by-products) disappeared overnight and previously saleable materials became waste. The loss of revenue and vastly increased waste disposal costs had a severe financial effect on the industry."

Market round-up

United Auctions sold 347 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 265.2p per kg and an average of 223.3p (+2.8p on the week), while 443 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 290.7p and levelled at 232.8p (no change). Fourteen store, B&W bullocks sold to 164.1p and averaged 156.5p (+1.7p).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 8 prime heifers in Dumfries to a top of 238p and an average of 212p.

In the rough ring 34 beef cows sold to £1287 per head and 156p per kg to average 131p, while 16 dairy cows peaked at £1040 and 140p to level at 111p.

The firm also sold 505 prime hoggs to a top of £105 and 212p to average 192p (+7p), while 80 prime lambs peaked at £120 and 293p to level at 260p (+76p).

There were also 187 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £125.50 for Texels and averaged £85, while light ewes peaked at £87.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £45.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 318 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £94.50 and 216.7p to average 190.1p (+20.2p), while 239 prime lambs peaked at £114 and 256.4p to level at £100.80 and 235.2p (+18p).