DEFRA announces tougher TB rules for camelids

Tougher TB control measures for alpacas and llamas are being introduced as part of government plans to crack down on all routes of the disease.


Following recommendations by the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England (AHWBE), DEFRA has announced a raft of new measures for South America camelids.


DEFRA has agreed to introduce:


• A voluntary code of practice on TB surveillance and herd accreditation, including pre- and post-movement TB testing and the recording of camelid movements


• A consultation on statutory compensation for owners of alpacas and llamas that are slaughtered for TB control to enable a more effective testing regime for herds that experience new TB breakdowns


• A wider consultation on TB control measures for non-bovine species following publication of the new Bovine TB Strategy for England early in 2014


Currently, TB controls for non-bovine species such as alpacas and llamas are limited.


Although camelid flocks suspected of being affected by bovine TB are placed under movement restrictions, testing and slaughter of positive animals in such herds is voluntary.


There is also currently no legal requirement for paying compensation to the owners of such animals.


DEFRA said it hoped the introduction of these measures would help the fledgling camelid industry in this country to tackle TB transmission.


The plan will help to ensure that future controls for non-bovine species are generally “appropriate, proportionate and affordable”, it added.


Farm minister George Eustice said: “The breeding and sale of alpacas and llamas is a relatively new rural business and as such we should celebrate the enterprise of the small band of people that have invested their faith and money.


“If we are to tackle the blight of bovine TB once and for all, it is important we do not lose sight of the fact that it can ruin the lives and livelihoods of far more people than just cattle farmers.”


Michael Seals, AHWBE chairman, added: “Although we accept these animals pose a low risk of transmitting TB to cattle, we want to help camelid owners protect both the health and welfare of their animals as well as others they come in contact with.


“This is an opportunity for the camelid industry to demonstrate its determination to put in place an effective voluntary code of practice and we believe they will rise to the challenge.”


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