To whom it may concern,
We are writing to express concern at the announcement that our SAC laboratory may be closed. We are greatly disappointed that this planned closure has been kept from public knowledge until such a late stage, and we would like to voice our reasons as to why we feel this should not go ahead.
Firstly, we have great concerns regarding disease surveillance. With our centre situated locally, we are secure in the knowledge that we have access to rapid confirmation of notifiable disease. With post mortem and specialised diagnostic facilities at close hand, we can receive rapid results. There is great concern from farmers that removing these facilities from Inverness will place an unnecessary delay on important diagnoses which will have a negative impact on herd/flock management and welfare. The accumulated knowledge and expertise of those who work at the Inverness SAC is invaluable. Their local experience built up over years, means that they are best placed to provide informed advice, with the knowledge to form effective action plans for our area. The loss of these local facilities and knowledge would be a huge blow, leaving us vulnerable to disease outbreaks.
For the above reasons we would not like the SAC Lab closed.
