'Cannot enter food chain': Farm to slaughter 271 cattle after Scottish Government inspection

A farm in Fife will slaughter 271 cattle after a Scottish Government inspection found the animals were “unidentifiable and untraceable”.

Inspectors made the discovery during a routine Cattle Identification and Traceability Inspection at Falkland Estate.

Under livestock regulations, cattle must be properly identified and traceable to help prevent and control disease outbreaks.

The Scottish Government said these regulations had not been met, so the animals were placed under a permanent movement restriction, meaning they “cannot enter the food chain”.

It was confirmed that the farm has made the decision to slaughter the animals.

A spokesperson said: “While undertaking a Cattle Identification and Traceability Inspection at a farm in Fife, Scottish Government Inspectors found non-compliance with regulations.

“Identification and Traceability regulations for livestock must be adhered with for disease prevention, control, eradication and the protection of public health.

“During the inspection 271 animals were found to be unidentifiable and untraceable which means they cannot enter the food chain and are placed under a permanent movement restriction.

“In this case the business has taken the difficult decision to slaughter the animals – Scottish Government inspectors will attend to verify the slaughter.”

Cattle in Scotland must be individually identified with ear tags and all births, deaths, and movements must be recorded through the ScotEID system.

The rules are designed to ensure livestock can be traced to protect public health.

The Scottish Government says the rules “must be adhered with for disease prevention, control, eradication and the protection of public health.”

The Scottish Farmer reported that Falkland Estate is “not expected to receive compensation for the destroyed animals”, which could be worth up to £500,000.

It may also be liable for the costs associated with having the animals slaughtered.

Falkland Estate has been contacted for comment.