New Ground Rules For Tackling Bovine TB
02/03/05

Defra has today published a set of ground rules that will help Government, vets, farmers, and wildlife groups tackle bovine TB.

The Strategic Framework, designed to improve control of the disease over the next 10 years, outlines new commitments, defines responsibilities, and signals the development of a stronger regional approach so specific disease control policies can be tailored to reflect the regional variation in disease risk.

Developed in consultation with stakeholders across Britain in the last year, the review was needed to address the increasing incidence and spread of the disease, and rising cost to the taxpayer and farmers.

It will lead to a stronger working partnership through a new advisory board and improved communications with those who are affected.

Scientific and other evidence will continue to be vital. Data from the Republic of Ireland as well as the Randomised Badger Culling Trials will be used to assess whether badger culling may form part of a cost-effective and sustainable suite of disease control policies.

Ben Bradshaw

Animal Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said:

"There is no quick solution to the problem of bovine TB.

"We are fully aware of the impact this disease has on the farms it hits, and that's why it's vital that any measures to control it are based on sound evidence.

"Defra spent over £15 million in the last financial year on research into bovine TB and, while the scientific work continues, we are rolling out a range of short term measures to contain the spread of disease. A stakeholder group is also working on recommendations to help develop a proposal for pre-movement testing of cattle.

"It is vital, however, that people recognise this isn't just a matter for Government. The effective control of this disease will only be possible in partnership with farmers, vets and wildlife groups. We all have responsibilities when tackling TB and this new strategy defines how we can work together to beat this disease."

Defra will also be publishing two independent scientific reviews of the 'Four Areas' badger culling trial conducted in the Republic of Ireland: one from the Independent Science Group on Cattle TB (ISG) and one from the Godfray group.

The Department has concluded that, although the results from the 'Four Areas' trial show that badgers do affect the incidence of bovine TB in cattle in the Republic of Ireland, issues of practicality, cost-effectiveness, social acceptability of interventions and applicability to GB remain to be addressed.

Alan Macphee, Divisional Veterinary Manager for Newcastle Animal Health Divisional Office, said: "The Newcastle Animal Health Division is currently a low incidence area. However, in order to retain this status, there is a need to raise the awareness of the threat of TB amongst farmers and vets in the area.

"Farmers have a responsibility for protecting the health of their herds and need to apply best practice in herd health planning and biosecurity. They need to check the health status of cattle before bringing them onto their farm.

"Infected cattle pose a risk to other cattle, but also to wildlife. Farmers have already been advised to carry out pre-movement testing on a voluntary basis to reduce the chance of importing disease into their herds."