United Kingdom-More speak out on TB problems.

UNITED KINGDOM-TB DISSASTER.

One of the country’s leading vets has urged the Government to take immediate action over bovine TB as it poses "a very serious risk to public health".

Westcountry-based vet Nicky Paull, president of the British Veterinary Association, said the spread of tuberculosis (TB) in cattle needed to be stemmed among species susceptible to the disease, chiefly badgers but also others including deer.

Mrs Paull, who practices in Lostwithiel, said: "The continuing spread of bovine tuberculosis within cattle and wildlife has not only an unacceptable impact on animal health and welfare but also the potential for being a very serious risk to public health.

"And I also believe we should not forget the health and welfare of our farming communities."

She went on: "Clearly the eradication of bovine TB from both the cattle and wildlife populations must be the ultimate aim – otherwise why would Government have set up a TB Eradication Group.

"But, as veterinary scientists and practitioners, we remain convinced that steps need to be taken immediately, and humanely, to control the spread of infection in all susceptible species. Only then can we move on to eradication."

The National Farmers’ Union said 28,000 apparently infected cattle were slaughtered in the Westcountry alone last year. Two years ago, the Government abandoned plans for a controversial badger cull after a major scientific study found it would make "no meaningful contribution" to tackling bovine TB.

This was despite repeated claims over the link between the disease in badgers and cattle.

Mrs Paull, who was elected president of the association last autumn, was speaking at the British Veterinary Association annual dinner, which was attended by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn.

Mrs Paull said current control measures are costing the livestock industry and Government millions of pounds a year. "We do, of course, understand the sensibilities surrounding the perception of the badger in the nation’s psyche but would make a plea on behalf of the bovine species, which rather than roaming at will, provide mankind worldwide with milk, meat and clothing."

A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said its aim is to eradicate the disease.

She added: "However, this will take time. In the meantime farmers have to live with TB breakdowns and movement restrictions which come at a cost.

"We recognise this is very difficult for them and we need to consider if there are measures we can take which will help."