A NUMBER of Simmental breeders have been banned from United Auction’s Stirling bull sales next month for making false statements with regard to their herds' health status .

The society’s chief executive Neil Shand has sent a letter to society members detailing the reasons behind the move.

Speaking to The Scottish Farmer, Mr Shand said: “A very small number of members, less than 1% of the forms checked, gave false information. As far as I am aware, the Simmental society is the only beef breed to carry out 100% health status checks, guaranteeing that the animals credentials are 100% accurate."

It is unclear at this stage whether the breeders involved will be banned from further Simmental sales or shows.

Mr Shand added: “At this stage, and for legal implications, I can’t say any more. The matter is in the hands of our disciplinary committee.”

Mr Shand’s letter states: “We as a breed have put a major emphasis on animal health at society sales for the past six years to give our commercial and pedigree customers peace of mind, confidence and full transparency in the health status of the animals they purchase.

“Our sale rules state that all herds must be members of CHeCS approved health schemes, are herd tested for Johnes, that all sale animals are vaccinated for BVD and pre-sale tested clear if the herd is not accredited.

“Furthermore, this year from October, there is the ruling that all heifers are pre-sale tested clear and vaccinated for IBR, using a market vaccine.

“It is therefore very disappointing to report that on verifying health declarations for the forthcoming October sale at Stirling we have found a small minority of breeders have been making false health declarations. These breeders have been immediately suspended from society sales whilst a full enquiry is carried out by the society disciplinary committee.

“The society will continue to use all its available powers to ensure our product is as transparent as possible to all purchasers, commercial and pedigree.”