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Animal Health Scheme
Shetland can boast arguably some of the finest livestock in Scotland. The islands’ unique animal health programme ensures Shetland livestock maintain a unique and valuable disease-free status.

Shetland’s ground-breaking Animal Health Programme has been in place for over 20 years. An extensive ongoing monitoring scheme is in place for all resident stock. In addition, all livestock imported into Shetland are examined thoroughly and appropriate testing undertaken.
"The health status of Shetland sheep is exceptionally high. In particular [they] are likely to be free from sheep scab, chlamydial abortion, maedi visna and jaagsiekte... Shetland takes biosecurity seriously, in order to avoid the introduction of these diseases... The risk of introducing these diseases with Shetland-bred sheep is low"
- Neil Sargison, FRCVS, Large Animal Veterinary Practice, Roslin

A combination of a rigorously applied Animal Health Programme and our remote geographic location means that:

All sheep are
  • Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE) free
  • Scab free
  • Maedi-Visna monitored free
All cattle are
  • Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) free
  • Brucellosis free
  • Tuberculosis free
In short, if you want to buy with real confidence – buy Shetland.
"Sourcing animals from certified disease free flocks and herds is the safest way to prevent the introduction of disease..."
- Press & Journal


Member producers of Shetland’s Animal Health scheme sell their stock complete with special animal health certificates.

Shetland’s Animal Health Programme can be your guarantee of healthy stock. Shetland has led the way in animal health over the years. At present Shetland producers are being consulted on the possibility of introducing testing for Johne's disease in cattle.
"The picture regarding sheep scab remains worrying. Shetland remains the only area in Scotland not affected by sheep scab, where a coordinated approach has kept the island free of the disease"
- Gail McDonald, Policy Manager, National Farmers Union Scotland

Download the programme below.

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(.pdf)