Over the last 12 months the percentage of BVD negative herds in Scotland has risen from 91% to 92%. The modest rise in herds testing free of BVD came at the same time the number of breeding herds fell from 8,922 in September 2017 to 8,714 in the same month this year.

Chair of the Scottish Beef Association, Neil McCorkindale said: “The statistics I suppose aren’t surprising with the government’s continued softly-softly approach. We always knew that after the vast majority complied, the last few would drag their heels. You only have to look at Orkney to realise how those few can hold the whole industry back.

“However, I believe the introduction of phase five sometime next year will allow serious pressure to be put on herds that still have a positive status. The SBA will support anything, which will bring those finally into line – including a so-called name-and shame-policy.

“It is only proper that farmers are aware of what status their neighbours have and it is past time to take a tough stance.”