Initial tests for foot-and-mouth disease at a farm in the north of Scotland today have proved negative.
Further tests will continue on the samples, taken from a seven-month-old bullock, and definitive results will take a further 96 hours.
Restrictions within a five-mile radius of the farm in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, will be maintained until the conclusive tests have been completed.
Scottish Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie is aware of the situation and being kept informed of developments.
The samples are being analysed at the international reference laboratory at the Institute of Animal Health in Pirbright, Surrey.
PA
