Bovine Tuberculosis – BVA response
15 December 2005
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) President Dr Freda Scott-Park today (Thursday) described the new measures to tackle bTB announced by Government as “steps towards regaining control of the disease situation”. Dr Scott-Park welcomed the fact that the Government had “recognised that the infected badger plays a significant role in the spread of bTB in cattle. This was” she said “hardly surprising given that there were only two member states within the European Community where bTB was a problem, the UK and Ireland, which coincidentally were the only two Member States where bTB was also a significant problem in the badger.
For too long”, she continued, “TB control and eradication has been plagued by those who polarise its spread – laying full blame on either the cow or the badger. As we have made clear previously the BVA continues to recognise that both species are significant animals in the spread of TB and that both must be tackled if this disease is to be controlled and eradicated.”
Turning to the detail of the Minister’s statement Dr Scott-Park noted that “the success of the bTB eradication programme is dependent on farmer co-operation. While we recognise the importance of pre-movement testing as an aid in the control of bTB, on its own it will not stop the spread of infection. While appreciating the necessity for allowing 12 weeks for the public consultation on the control of badgers it would be preferable if the measures arising out of the consultation could be introduced at the same time as the requirement for pre-movement testing of cattle. Also, while we can see the logic of harmonising compensation levels for compulsory slaughter under official disease control schemes, we recognise that many farmers are unable to insure themselves against this devastating disease and others, who having had the foresight to obtain insurance, have seen their cover terminated.”
Dr Scott-Park concluded by stressing that the “BVA looked forward to playing its part in devising an effective programme for the control and eradication of this devastating disease.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
1. For further information please contact the BVA Press Office on 020 7636 6541 or media@bva.co.uk