LOGs (Local Ownership Groups) bring together farmers, vets and industry stakeholders to discuss local bTB challenges, share experiences and help shape practical disease control solutions. Groups are active across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Wiltshire, with plans to re-establish a group in Gloucestershire.
The meeting provided an opportunity for groups to share updates and discuss how they can support delivery of Defra's recently published bTB Strategy Refresh. Tom Handley, Defra's Head of Wildlife Policy, attended to provide an overview of the refresh and hear feedback directly from farmers and vets.
Members welcomed the refresh's focus on greater local ownership, improved collaboration and increased involvement of farmers and vets in disease management. There was broad support for more locally informed approaches and better information sharing.
However, attendees also challenged Defra on the pace of implementation and sought greater clarity on the future role, governance and support available for LOGs.
“Turning what is strategy and ideas and potential ways of working forward into delivery is where we will see improvements on farm.”
NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins
Supplementary testing was another key topic of discussion. Farmers and vets welcomed proposals to increase access to additional testing options, highlighting the potential benefits for understanding disease risk and supporting herd-level decision making.
Concerns were also raised about current approval processes and practical barriers to accessing some tests, with calls for a simpler and more flexible approach.
Turning strategy into action
Speaking at the meeting about the recent refresh document, NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins said: “Centred in the heart of it, is around local ownership and therefore local delivery. Turning what is strategy and ideas and potential ways of working forward into delivery is where we will see improvements on farm.”
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to discuss both the opportunities and challenges presented by the Strategy Refresh and ensure industry views continue to help shape the future direction of bTB control.
