Industry sets out government demands over bovine TB controls

Leading farming organisations have vowed not to take part in the government’s proposed TB Partnership Group in protest over its decision not to sanction a badger cull to tackle bovine TB.

The pledge is part of an eight point statement of agreement backed by industry groups including the NFU, the National Beef Association and the Livestock Auctioneers Association.

The eight points, drawn up at an industry meeting last week (18 July), include a call for an independent body to make animal health decisions.

It also sets out an industry policy to not participate in discussions on disease cost-sharing and responsibility.

Meurig Raymond, NFU deputy president, said the industry had been left with “no choice” but to walk away from the government’s policy decision.

The group’s eight point statment:

1. Commit to working to contain and eradicate bovine TB
   
2. Demand a comprehensive disease eradication programme
   
3. Demand licences for the culling of wildlife as a disease control measure.
   
4. Support legal action to challenge DEFRA’s no badger cull decision
   
5. No participation in the TB Partnership Group unless it can set its own agenda and can make its own recommendations
   
6. Urge the government to invite the Commission TB Task Force to England to make recommendations on an eradication plan.
   
7. Explore ways animal health decisions could be taken by an independent body.
   
8. Non-cooperation on government disease cost-sharing and responsibility discussions