CONCERNS about a growing number of cattle abortions and livestock deaths linked to dogs were raised by NFU Scotland last night.
Vice-president Nigel Miller, a qualified vet, said increasing levels of neospora and sarcocystosis were being reported across the country.
Neospora causes abortions in cattle, while sarcocystosis is a parasite that can make animals ill and in severe cases result in the deaths of both cattle and sheep.
Both are spread by infected dog dirt.
Mr Miller said he was worried at the increasing threat posed by dogs, whether those working on farms or family pets being exercised on or near farmland.
He added: “For those walking or working with dogs in the country, there is a need to recognise the danger that their animal may pose to the health of farm animals.”
He urged everyone to lift dog dirt and dispose of it responsibility to avoid pastures becoming contaminated. Mr Miller praised an initiative by Stirling Council, which has already seen it highlight the dangers that dogs pose to livestock on posters on popular walkways beside farmland.
He added: “This could provide a model for other organisations and local authorities to follow and be rolled out across a wide range of initiatives such as paths for all, local and regional access forums and national parks.”
Farmers also had an important role to play as the neospora infection is spread by dogs eating contaminated cattle material or by drinking water containing it.
Mr Miller said: “All fallen stock should be disposed of promptly and, if practical, placental material should be collected when cows are calving outside to minimise the risk of it being eaten by dogs. Failure to do these simple tasks can perpetuate the life cycle of the parasites responsible for neosporosis and sarcocystosis.
“We have pledged, along with others, to produce a briefing note highlighting the risks that dogs can pose to livestock health and what measures can be taken to minimise the threat.”