Government declares 2038 TB-free strategy for England
The strategy, first published in June, has been formally taken forwarded by the government.
The government has formally adopted a new long-term strategy, as it seeks to eradicate bovine tuberculosis (TB) in England by 2038.
It is set to take a multi-faceted approach to bovine TB, which will include the development of vaccines for cattle and badgers. The government will also implement mandatory blood tests, more robust wildlife surveillance and more test choice.
The strategy comes as the government records continued progress in tackling the disease.
Compared to the previous twelve months, the number of TB herd breakdowns has decreased by a fifth. The percentage of herds under restriction as a result of a TB incident is currently at 3.4 per cent.
This has also been the first year in a decade in which no badgers have been culled as a result of the disease.
The government’s new strategy has set out its plans to eradicate bovine TB in England by 2038. It was developed with experts and stakeholders across the industry, including farmers, vets and scientists.
Although it was originally published in June, the plans will now be formally be taken forward by government.
As part of the strategy, the government will continue development of a deployable cattle vaccine. This work will progress alongside a new skin test to detect infected animals from vaccinated animals (DIVA).
Through this project, the government hopes to deploy cattle vaccination by 2030.
Improved disease testing also forms part of the newly adopted strategy. The government is set to expand its funded mandatory blood testing, as well as piloting additional privately funded testing.
The newly contracted Badger Vaccination Field Force will roll out vaccination in priority areas, with the government also funding a scheme to collect and test dead badgers.
Baroness Hayman, biosecurity minister, said: “Bovine TB has devasted our farming communities, causing heartbreaking losses, uncertainty and financial hardship. No farmer should have to accept this disease as an unavoidable part of their livelihood.
“Our comprehensive strategy will ensure the continuation of the end to badger culling, and prevent the spread of this horrific disease.”
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