The DSCs are operated by SRUC’s SAC Consulting Veterinary Services. SRUC has begun consultation with stakeholders on what could be significant changes to service delivery at the Inverness and Ayr DSCs.

Meanwhile the centres at Thurso, Perth, St Boswells, Dumfries, Aberdeen and Edinburgh will continue as usual, although there are plans to relocate the Aberdeen and Edinburgh operations to new premises near their current locations.

The plans are announced in the wake of the Kinnaird Review of Veterinary Surveillance published in 2011 and after consultation with the Strategic Management Board subsequently appointed by Ministers.

The proposed developments are intended to ensure that SRUC maintains an efficient, sustainable and robust disease surveillance service for Scotland and the UK.

Janet Swadling, Acting Chief Executive of SRUC said: “Against a budget that is reducing in real terms we have prepared a plan to provide a more efficient service which is fit for the future, considers local demands and the need to retain a critical mass of important expertise.

"We are consulting closely with our staff and with external clients and stakeholders to ensure we get this right and we are grateful for their ongoing commitment and understanding.

“The quality of Scotland’s contribution to veterinary surveillance, its investigations of disease outbreaks and alerts about new threats is valued in the UK and beyond. Our staff are highly trained and their expertise is respected by our clients and government agencies.

"As any agreed changes are implemented we will continue to deliver the service to this high standard, with minimal disruption to stakeholders.”