In England, cases of bTB are at the lowest levels in nearly 20 years, yet 20,500 cattle were still lost to the disease in 2025. In some cases, farmers have lost whole herds and their livelihoods.
The new bovine TB control Strategy Refresh was announced following the change in government in 2024 and there has been a significant wait to understand its proposed outcomes and the implications for members managing bovine tuberculosis.
Over the past 18 months, the NFU has played an active role in shaping the co-design process, contributing through both the steering group and dedicated working groups and supporting the goal of building on the progress achieved so far. This is a critical moment in the journey to eradicate bTB. This refreshed strategy, launched in June 2026, is therefore both important and eagerly anticipated. We have seen impressive progress through the collective efforts of farmers, vets and government, but bTB remains a devastating disease that continues to place a heavy burden on farming businesses.
Our ambition remains to achieve a TB-free England by 2038, while maintaining and enhancing a thriving livestock and dairy sector. We will continue to work with government and other partners to achieve this important goal.
NFU bTB support
- See the NFU's key asks on bTB
- Bovine TB Control Strategy for England:
- Visit TB Free England for sharable resources, articles on the latest science and evidence and first-hand accounts from affected farmers.
