NFU response to Bovine TB Eradication Group for England’s progress report

The following is the NFU’s response to the Bovine TB Eradication Group for England’s progress report which was published today:

Meurig Raymond, NFU Deputy President, said:"The NFU has for a long time argued that England needs an eradication plan approved by the European Union. Currently, policy measures in England are aimed at, rather ineffectively, seeking to limit the spread of this dreadful disease. It was for this reason that we called for, supported and had involvement in the Bovine TB Eradication Group for England (TBEG).

"We commend TBEG for producing a considered and comprehensive report, but are disappointed that the recommendations do not address all the aspects that would be required for a genuine eradication plan.

"The Secretary of State must give this report serious consideration. 40,000 cattle were destroyed last year because of bTB, with at least a similar number anticipated this year. The taxpayer’s contribution towards TB controls, as quoted in the report, amounted to£84 million in England in 2008/09. Farmers and their families’contributions are far greater including both financial and emotional costs. Yet still, the scourge of this disease continues to grow. Current policy is not fit for purpose and must therefore change. This report provides a good, but not complete, base for that change.

"We welcome the emphasis given to the human cost of bTB in the group’s policy recommendations. We have long been trying to bring this consequence of the current failing policy into a wider debate and are pleased to see a genuine commitment to support the affected farming families and businesses through proposed policy improvements.

"We are also pleased that the group has viewed the eradication of TB as an investment in preserving a competitive beef and dairy industry in England; maintaining trade in cattle and dairy products and in protecting public health. At the same time it recognises the substantial cost and effort required in delivering an eradication policy. This echoes the call of the industry over the last few years to Government to deliver policy decisions with courage, commitment, common sense and a transparent scientific review.

"The group proposes a move towards a more risk-based approach to TB controls. For those in the hot-spot areas this should reduce burdens and costs, but for some others these will significantly increase. We understand the logic behind the definition of five areas with different testing frequency and control measures but we are conscious that this will impose more frequent testing on some farms, with all the inherent costs and disruption to individual businesses. This reinforces the need for a comprehensive policy aimed at eradication.

"It is refreshing and positive that TBEG has looked at the experience elsewhere to inform its policy recommendations. This has brought it to the conclusion that eradication from cattle is not achievable where there is a wildlife maintenance host. The NFU feels that this is a hugely positive conclusion.

"We are however bitterly disappointed that the remit given to TBEG by the Secretary of State has severely constrained its ability to make a firmer recommendation on dealing with the disease reservoir in the badger population.

"The NFU will support measures which move us towards eradication of TB. Our core concern is that without action on wildlife we cannot make progress towards eradication. We note the reasons given by TBEG for not making recommendations at this stage, and therefore the reality is that there is no prospect of immediate action on this front. This situation cannot continue for long. The current policy measures are incomplete, and the NFU will never be able to give its full support to a plan which does not deal with all aspects of the disease."