Caution over TB control plans
VETERINARY leaders have welcomed the Government’s latest proposals to eradicate bovine TB in England by 2038, but warned that any future plans must be underpinned by robust scientific evidence.
It comes as a consultation on the next phase of Defra’s (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) strategy to tackle the disease was launched by the Environment Secretary, George Eustice, last week.
The eight-week call for evidence includes plans to stop the issuing of intensive badger cull licenses for new areas after 2022, and enable new licenses to be cut short after two or three years based on a review of the latest scientific evidence.
Under the new proposals, any new supplementary cull licences - which are granted in regions after intensive culls are complete - would be restricted to two years and would not be reissued afterwards.
The Government has said it will also be seeking to accelerate the deployment of a cattle vaccine and to support badger vaccination in areas that have completed culls as an alternative to supplementary culling.
Responding to the Government’s consultation announcement, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) said “behavioural science should be at the heart of any bTB policy”.
“BVA has consistently advocated for an approach that uses all the tools in the toolbox to tackle this insidious disease, and we welcome progress on new tools and measures such as a viable cattle vaccine,” added BVA president, James Russell.
“Farmers, vets and the Government have put in enormous effort over the years to control bovine TB, but it’s essential that any next steps are evidence based before any of the proven tools are phased out.
“While the vaccination of badgers reduces the severity and progression of bTB in badgers, its effect on cattle bTB incidence remains uncertain. We would like to see prioritisation of research to evaluate the impact of badger vaccination on cattle as part of any ‘exit strategy’ from intensive badger culling.”
Alongside the consultation, which will close on March 24, Defra has issued a call for views on possible future measures to accelerate TB eradication, such as further improvements to testing, encouraging increased uptake of farm biosecurity measures and supporting responsible cattle movements.
Mr Russell continued: “Steps to tackle bovine TB going forward must centre on empowering vets and farmers by supporting their pivotal relationship, through better and more timely data sharing and more autonomy for vets and farmers to deploy available tools.
“We recognise the importance of Government, farmers and vets working together so it’s essential that the Government listens to the views of the profession and industry in planning the next phase.”