Proposals to help eradicate bovine tuberculosis in England

The CLA supports the UK Government’s 25-year strategy to eradicate bovine tuberculosis (bTB) and welcomes the "new drive and concerted effort" to reduce disease levels, referenced in the Godfray Review. This next phase, focusing on the development of a cattle vaccine in the next five years and improving diagnostic testing, is a positive step.

We also welcome the intention to support livestock keepers in introducing improved biosecurity on their holdings and reduce high risk cattle trading between farms. However, we are deeply concerned that if culling is heavily restricted before an effective cattle vaccine is readily available, there could be serious consequences for businesses and farmer wellbeing.