No 10-year end for TB

ERADICATING BOVINE Tuberculosis within the next 10 years is unlikely, but the government must seek to contain and reduce the spread of the disease, according to the Tenant Farmers Association.

The organisation has welcomed the opportunity to respond to the government‘s recent consultation paper on preparing for a new GB strategy on bovine TB.

And it will be using its presence at this year‘s Royal Cornwall Show on June 10, 11 and 12 to highlight the urgent need to establish a definite plan to eradicate TB for good.

TFA chief executive George Dunn said he was heartened by the increased focus being given to the issue of bovine TB, but was concerned that any attempt at developing a new strategy would suffer from the same sort of inertia as previous strategies.

“The principal reason for this is the political desire to exonerate the badger from any blame,” he said.

“It is now clear from what we know from the Kreb‘s trials that this line is unsustainable.

“The immediate goal must be to contain and progressively reduce the spread of the disease and also to contain and reduce the costs to farmers associated with managing the disease including consequential losses, lost stock, movement restrictions, testing and isolation.

“It is now time for less talk and more action,” he added.