Defra has announced a consultation on future TB eradication
strategy, which proposes to no longer license badger culls
post-2022.
Responding to the consultation, NFU Deputy President Stuart
Roberts said: “Bovine TB continues to devastate farming families
up and down the country, causing huge strain mentally,
emotionally and financially for farmers. Thousands of farms have
seen generations of cattle slaughtered because of the disease,
crippling their livelihoods instantly.
“The government’s 25-year TB eradication strategy has provided
some real hope to those farmers and it is clearly delivering
successful results. The badger cull has played an enormous role
in that.
“The government’s own consultation says that incidents of TB in
cull areas have dropped by 51% after four years. This clearly
shows that, in line with the Randomised Badger Culling Trial, the
badger culls are working and that it is essential to keep our
focus on eradicating this dreadful disease and using every tool
in the box to do so.
“A science and evidence-based approach must continue to drive
government’s approach to TB eradication in cattle, at this
critical time we cannot have eight years of progress undermined.
Right now, the government should be particularly aware of the
consequences of taking its foot off the gas when it comes to
controlling a disease.
“It is therefore heartening to hear that field trials for a fully
authorised cattle vaccine are underway. The Covid-19 vaccine has
shone a light on the incredible scientific capability in this
country to deal with a zoonotic disease and farmers will be
hoping that a fully authorised cattle vaccine can soon become
another vital tool in eradicating this dreadful disease.
“Farmers would like to use all effective measures to control this
disease but as we know, there is not one single solution and our
sole aim is to eradicate TB. But if the government wants to phase
out one successful measure, it must be 100% satisfied that any
changes to replace it with an alternative must be proven to be
equally effective.
“Make no mistake, this disease continues to devastate farming
businesses and their families. More than 27,000 cattle were
slaughtered last year as a result of this disease. I am certain
that the consequences of these proposals will have severe impacts
on the lives of farming families all across the country.”
The NFU will continue to analyse all of the proposals in this
document and consult extensively with its members on this
incredibly important issue.
-ends-
Notes to editor:
- The proposals included in Defra’s consultation on future TB
strategy includes:
- No longer licensing intensive badger culls post-2022
- The ability to revoke intensive badger cull licences
issued in 2021 and 2022 after two years.
