A herd of cattle in Dumfries and Galloway has contracted bovine tuberculosis, leading to the slaughter of all 95 animals.
The movement of other animals in out of the affected farm in Canonbie has been restricted while the cause of the outbreak is investigated.
Tests are being carried out on samples taken from Southwoodhead Farm.
The infection was discovered when slaughterhouse staff found lesions consistent with
bovine TB.
Post-mortem examinations confirmed initial tests showing that more than 40 animals had the illness.
Tests will be carried out on neighbouring farms if required. Officials stress that people are not at risk from the disease.
But farm workers who have been in direct contact with any of the infected animals will be offered screening for TB.
The farmer involved, William Gibson, said: "Obviously, this is a difficult time.
"I have lived on this farm for 50 years and there have never been any problems, particularly as far as TB is concerned.
"My main priority just now is to co-operate with the authorities and to ensure that this outbreak is stamped out.
"This is extremely worrying for my business but I remain as optimistic as possible.
"I feel it is the responsible course of action to publish my farm details to raise awareness of this particular case and of the need for others farmers to be extremely vigilant.
Rare in humans
"I wouldn't wish for anyone else to go through this."
Cases of bovine TB in humans are rare and are usually only found in elderly victims or in people who have caught it abroad.
In Scotland there were 21 confirmed outbreaks in cattle in 2004.
The Scottish Executive has called it the "main animal health challenge" facing farmers, government, vets and wildlife groups.
A spokesman said: "There are no risks to health for the general population.
"Any farm workers who have been in direct contact with infected animals will be assessed for risk of exposure and will be offered screening for TB by medical staff according to standard national protocols, if indicated."
