DOING nothing about the endemic spread of bovine tuberculosis is no longer an option, according to Bill Harper, following a meeting of the TB stakeholders’ committee.

The South West continued to be the hardest hit area with 14.3 per cent of the herds under restriction coming from the region and something had to be done to help farmers.

“We need urgent measures to prevent the disease continuing its firm hold on the wildlife population. Nobody wants to see unhealthy animals – whether they are in the hedgerow or the shed,” he said.

“Fortunately, this coalition government is offering us an option. We must break the disease’s cycle and not squander the opportunity. We do not want to see other species suffering as badgers and cattle currently do. No other country has eradicated TB without action.”

There is an urgent need to tackle TB because: It costs the taxpayer over £63m in 2009/10 in England.

Over 25,000 cattle slaughtered in 2009 from 57,500 English herds.

Almost 3,500 new herd breakdowns in 2009.

More than 6,000 herds restricted because of a breakdown in 2009.

6.4 per cent English herds under bTB restriction end of 2009 – 14.3 per cent of them in South West.

Almost 40,000 herd tests and five million animal tests in 2009.

Huge financial and emotional impact on farmers.

On behalf of the National Beef Association, Mr Harper is urging everyone with an interest in animal welfare to lend their support to the government’s public consultation document on a badger control policy in areas with a high incidence of bTB.

By gaining as many signatures as possible the government will recognise support for its proposal.

The consultation ends on December 8th. DEFRA intends to publish a comprehensive and balanced bTB eradication programme early in 2011.

Last year bTB cost the taxpayer £63m. At a time when government departments need to cut costs, politicians are willing to implement a policy which saves money at the same time as improving animal welfare.

The government’s own Randomised Badger Culling Trial demonstrated conclusively badgers contributed significantly to bTB in cattle. It found from the first cull to five years after the last cull (July 2010) pro-active culling produced a 28.3% reduction in TB confirmed cattle herd incidence.

The fact box outlines the government’s proposal. DEFRA anticipates initially there will be five eligible areas. Although veterinary advice suggests vaccination is not as effective as culling in lowering the weight of infection in the badger population, this control method is likely to reduce disease risk when used in combination with culling.

Vaccination trials for oral bait are on-going. At £12/vaccination (£800 for authorisation and qualification per operator, plus labour costs), it is predicted this method will cost £2,250/year/sq km - compared with firearm-licensed operators costing £300 to £500/year/sq km.

“The South West already has three eligible areas. These are the VLA9 area in North West Devon and North Cornwall where 1,200 farmers have signed up. I believe we also have potential areas in West Penwith and Exmoor,” said Mr Harper.

“This problem will not be cured by us all standing back and doing nothing. Thousands of farmers have had a rough time. Now it is time for the agricultural industry to engage with everyone, including organisations such as The Badger Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) - which is concerned for the future populations of ground-nesting birds and English Nature.

“Every person who wants TB to stop spreading in the badger population across the country should go to DEFRA’s website and follow the links to the consultation so they can add their support to the eradication of this disease. We will get no better option.”

Fact File: The Government’s Proposal: Issue licences under Protection Badgers Act 1992
Licences only available in areas of high and persistent bTB incidence (at least 150 sq km –[37,000 acres])
Access to over 70% of that area
Strict licence criteria to ensure badgers are controlled effectively, humanely and with high regard for animal welfare
Farmers and landowners responsible for cost of badger control; government to fund licensing operation and monitor impact of policy
Four–year commitment required followed by policy review
Hard boundaries or buffers introduced
Compliance with statutory cattle TB controls and awareness of best bio-security practice