Defra extends consultation on targeted culling to combat bovine TB
By Robert Blair, Partner and ARA specialist
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced an extension to the ongoing consultation aimed at refining the strategies for tackling bovine Tuberculosis (TB) in England.
Originally set to close on 22 April 2024, the deadline has now been extended to 13 May, providing cattle farmers additional time to share their insights and feedback.
Background on bovine TB
Bovine TB remains one of the most severe animal health challenges facing English farmers today, with devastating effects on the agricultural community. The disease leads to the culling of tens of thousands of cattle annually, with a total of 22,084 cattle culled in 2022 alone.
Current strategies and proposals
The Government’s consultation seeks to integrate targeted badger culling with badger and cattle vaccination as part of the next phase of England’s TB eradication strategy.
The proposal suggests retaining badger culling as an option in targeted parts of the High-Risk Area and Edge Areas, which include much of southwest and central England.
The latest figures indicate a promising trend, with new bovine TB breakdowns in cattle at a near 20-year low.
Peer-reviewed evidence from the first 52 areas where badger culling was conducted shows a reduction in rates of bovine TB breakdowns in cattle by an average of 56 per cent after four years.
Consultation details
The extended consultation period reflects the Government’s commitment to following the best scientific and epidemiological evidence in its approach to disease control.
“Our strategy to eradicate bovine TB in England is turning the tide on this disease with the lowest number of new breakdowns in nearly twenty years,” stated Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer.
The consultation allows for a targeted approach where culling would continue in specified areas until the disease situation is deemed to have improved.
Annual reviews by the Chief Veterinary Officer will determine the effectiveness of these measures.
Once improvements are noted, badger vaccination would be employed to maintain the results achieved through culling.
Farmers are encouraged to participate in this crucial consultation by responding online before the new deadline on 13 May 2024.
This consultation represents a key step towards achieving the goal of eradicating bovine TB in England by 2038, as envisioned by current strategies.
If you have been affected by the impact of bovine TB, contact us today for expert financial advice.