England-Wales bovine TB data shows mixed picture
© Tim Scrivener New data on bovine TB shows contrasting trends across England and Wales, with both countries experiencing a slight rise in herd incidence but differing patterns in animal slaughter and regional prevalence.
In England, between July 2024 and June this year, herd incidence – the rate of new TB outbreaks – rose from 7.4 to 7.8 per 100 herd years at risk, an increase of 0.4 compared to the previous year.
However, herd prevalence – the proportion of herds not officially TB-free – remained stable at 4.2%.
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Within England’s high risk area, herd incidence was higher at 13.7, a marginal increase from 13.5 the year before, while prevalence slightly decreased to 7.7%.
The low risk area saw a small rise in incidence from 0.9 to 1.0, with prevalence steady at 0.4%.
Wales reported a smaller overall increase in herd incidence, rising by 0.1 from 6.9 to 7.0. Unlike England, Wales also saw a slight rise in herd prevalence from 5.6% to 5.7%.
Regional variations were marked. The high TB area West – a region in south-west Wales including Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Swansea – experienced a rise in incidence from 12.2 to 13.2 and prevalence from 11.0% to 11.7%.
Animal slaughter numbers due to bovine TB incidents diverged between the two nations.
England saw a 4% reduction to 21,131 cattle slaughtered, while Wales experienced an 11% increase to 13,032.
This rise in Wales was particularly evident in the High East and Intermediate North regions, both with nearly 30% more cattle culled.
Scotland remains TB-free
Scotland continues to maintain its officially TB-free status since 2009, with very low herd incidence and prevalence remaining almost unchanged.
The Welsh government says it is committed to eradicating bovine TB in Wales by 2041 and acknowledges the impact of the disease on cattle farmers.
“We’ve listened to the concerns raised over different aspects of bovine TB and will continue to work in partnership with the industry, as set out in our five-year Delivery Plan,” said a government spokesman.
“This includes the work of the Technical Advisory Group, who have already provided their expert advice on specific topics.
“We have made significant changes to our policy approach, the latest on Inconclusive Reactor (IR) policies was announced in May.
“The farmer-led TB Programme Board is also now in place, and with governance arrangements now complete, we are committed to accelerating action to meet the target of a TB Free Wales by 2041.”
Increased testing
The Welsh government attributed much of the rise in TB cattle slaughterings since 2014 to the increased use of high-sensitivity testing, for example, gamma interferon (blood) testing.
The Welsh Labour-led administration continues to reject calls from Welsh farming unions to introduce badger culling as a strategy to reduce bovine TB in cattle and wildlife.
A Defra spokesman said: “Bovine TB remains one of the most difficult and persistent animal health challenges, causing devastation for farmers and rural communities.
“We are working at pace on a new, comprehensive bovine TB strategy for England.
“Our approach will use expert information and the best available science to plan towards a TB-free future by 2038.
“Following a record year for badger vaccination in 2024, a new Badger Vaccinator Field Force will be deployed next year, to drive down TB rates and protect farming businesses and developing a cattle vaccine.”