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New bovine TB campaign revealed
cattle farm
In low risk areas of the country, it is estimated that 50 per cent of new TB breakdowns are caused by purchased animals.
Info hub launched to help farmers and vets tackle TB
 
Farming minister George Eustice has unveiled a new campaign to tackle bovine TB, which includes an information hub for farmers and vets, as well as a five point biosecurity plan.

A single website - www.TBhub.co.uk - will now hold all bovine TB advice from the government, leading vets, farming experts and agricultural colleges.

The site covers everything from biosecurity measures to understanding trading rules. It aims to be the 'go to' place for beef and dairy farmers to find information on dealing with TB on their farms.

Mr Eustice also announced a new Bovine TB Biosecurity Five Point Plan, which aims to improve disease prevention on farm and in the trade.

The five points of the plan are:
  1. Restrict contact between badgers & cattle
  2. Manage cattle feed and water
  3. Stop infected cattle entering the herd
  4. Reduce risk from neighbouring herds
  5. Minimise infection from cattle manure

In England last year, more than 3,000 farms were affected by new TB breakdowns. Each breakdown is estimated to cost the farmer more than £10,000, and the taxpayer around £20,000. In low risk areas of the country, 50 per cent of breakdowns are said to be caused by purchased animals.

Mr Eustice commented: "There are simple and practical ways for farmers to reduce risk to their herds and neighbouring businesses from bovine TB which are set out in this new action plan approved by vets and farming experts."

By the end of this month, posters featuring the five-point plan will be on display in vet surgeries, cattle auction marts and the offices of the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Copies will also be sent out to farmers around the country and regular surveys will be carried out to track progress.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.