The incidence of tuberculosis among cattle has soared by
28%, according to the
latest DEFRA
statistics.
Provisional statistics show a 24% increase in the number of new
TB incidents in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the same
period in 2007.
Combined with a decrease in the number of herds tested over the
same period, this equates to a provisional overall increase in the
TB incidence rate of 28%.
Monthly bovine
TB figures were released by DEFRA on Wednesday (19
November).
They suggest some 47,564 tests will be carried out on herds
during 2008, resulting in 3379 new herd incidents.
The statistics prompted the Liberal Democrats to call on the
government rethink its policy on bovine TB and badger culling.
Lib Dem shadow DEFRA secretary Roger Williams said: "These
figures will be of major concern to livestock farmers.
"Not only has there been an increase in the incidences of bovine
TB but the number of tests has decreased, which could be masking an
even bigger problem."
A government-backed vaccine to combat bovine TB in cattle is
unlikely to be available until 2015.
Mr Williams said: "By the time the vaccine is available for
widespread use it may be too late for many livestock farmers.
"I urge the government to rethink its policy."