Bovine TB control improvement workshops launched
© Tim Scrivener A series of regional workshops get under way next week, helping farmers understand and improve the measures they can take to reduce exposure to bovine TB.
The first free, on-farm workshop takes place at Harper Adams University, Shropshire next Tuesday (15 November), and registration is now open.
A further 15 events will take place in the coming months, organised by XL Farmcare UK in conjunction with XL Vets Training Services and Adas.
They will include classroom teaching on the TB situation in England, current control measures and TB transmission routes and epidemiology.
See also: Bovine TB not passed on by direct contact with badgers
Badger ecology and risk reduction for cattle-to-cattle and badger-to-cattle transmission, and risk-based training will also be included.
Events confirmed so far
- 15 November Harper Adams University, Shropshire
- 22 November Myrescough College, Preston
- 6 December Herefordshire and Ludlow College (Holme Lacy campus)
- 13 December Reaseheath College, Cheshire
- 18 January Sparsholt College, Hampshire
- 1 February Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester
All events will start at 10am. Check the Farmskills website for more dates as they are added.
This will be followed by an interactive farm walk, visiting work stations where participants will be able to apply the knowledge gained from the initial classroom sessions.
“Biosecurity is a key part of the government’s 25-year plan to eradicate bovine TB in England and I would encourage farmers to sign up for one of these events,” said government chief vet Nigel Gibbens.
“They are a great opportunity to hear about measures farmers can take to improve their on-farm biosecurity and build the resilience of their businesses.”
“England has the highest incidence of bovine TB in Europe and it is vital we pursue our comprehensive strategy to beat the disease, to protect the livelihoods of our beef and dairy farmers.
“Farmers can also access practical guidance to help protect their herds on the TB Hub, which brings together advice on biosecurity from government, farming experts and leading vets in one place.”
According to Defra, the estimated average cost of a bovine TB breakdown on a farm is £34,000.
Of this, it is estimated £20,000 is borne by government, mainly as compensation for animals compulsorily slaughtered and the costs of testing.
A further £14,000 falls to the farmer as a result of the loss of animals, on-farm costs of testing, and business disruption because of movement restrictions.