Reaction to the Judgement in the Skanda Vale Court Case
24 July 2007
The British Veterinary Association welcomes the judgement made in relation to the Skanda Vale Community bullock, Shambo.
While we appreciate the religious sensitivities surrounding this case and have absolutely no wish to be in any way inflammatory, Shambo has tested positive to bovine tuberculosis, a devastating disease with serious animal and public health implications. According to standard procedures used world-wide, including in Hindu countries, the animal should be humanely destroyed and we are relieved that the courts agree.
The implications of any other judgement for the UK, and indeed much of the world's, disease control would have been immense and undermined the vital importance of ensuring that public and animal health concerns remain at the heart of responsible disease control policies.
ENDS
Notes for Editors
For further information, please contact the BVA Press Office on 020 7636 6541 or media@bva.co.uk
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