NFU response
“Thousands of cattle farmers are fighting a daily battle against the spread of this disease. More than 32,800 cattle were slaughtered because of this disease last year and more than 4,700 herds that had been clear of it were affected by it.
“We are pleased that the Government is pressing ahead with its 25-year strategy to eradicate bovine TB. The NFU believes the strategy – the first comprehensive plan to tackle bovine TB in England - gives us the best chance of controlling and eradicating this devastating disease and it is vital it is implemented in full as quickly as possible.
“Part of this strategy is ensuring that the disease is kept out of the areas of the country that are at a low risk from bovine TB. The launch of the cattle movement control consultation today will be welcomed by farmers in these areas who have been frustrated by the lack of progress on this. We will consult fully with all our members about this before submitting our response.
“Badger culling is an essential part of the Government’s 25-year strategy in areas where bovine TB is rife. While we are pleased that culling has been extended beyond Somerset and Gloucestershire we are very disappointed that more areas will not benefit from it this year. This is much slower progress than we wanted to see.
“We know there are many areas where the disease is rife that would benefit from badger culling and where farmers are prepared to play their part in the fight against bovine TB. The Government has repeatedly given a clear commitment to tackling the disease in badgers as part of its 25-year strategy. We expect that commitment to tackle this disease to be backed up with further roll out of culling to other areas where bTB is endemic next year and in the coming years. We will continue to press for that as a matter of urgency.
“As this policy is rolled out to more areas in the years to come it is crucial that the model is looked at to ensure it is as simple and effective as possible and less vulnerable to disruption. We hope that the consultation that has been launched today on the licensing criteria will begin the discussion about how this can be achieved.”