MORE than 4,000 cattle keepers have registered on a system which aims to protect livestock from the spread of disease in its first year.

The online ScotMoves system was introduced at the beginning of 2017 to provide a simple, fast and convenient way for beef and dairy cattle businesses to record cattle moves within their enterprise.

The Scottish Government said the information provides added transparency on the location of cattle within Scotland and will be vital in controlling and eradicating diseases.

It also provides added reassurance in checking that cattle in Scotland continue to meet the eligibility criteria for BSE Negligible Risk.