Call for stronger TB surveillance for camelids

The NFU has called on government to strengthen TB controls for camelids to help stop the spread of bovine TB.

In its response to a Defra consultation paper on TB controls for deer and camelids, the NFU said government should introduce mandatory registration and movement recording for animals like llamas and alpacas, as well as mandatory routine testing of herds.

Rob Harrison, NFU national dairy board chairman, said: "Farmers are going to great lengths to prevent the spread of bovine TB and are all too aware of its devastating impact on their herds. An effective eradication strategy must include surveillance measures for camelids and other non bovine species.

“Our response challenges Defra to address the disease in some of the most susceptible species. We don’t believe it’s acceptable that untested, highly susceptible animals can move from herds where the disease status is unknown into the low risk and edge areas of the country, potentially bringing disease with them.

“We believe that this is an important step in preventing further spread of the disease and achieving the eradication of bovine TB."