New Bovine TB action plan launched by government

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of cattle

The government has unveiled new tools and advice for farmers as part of a fresh campaign to tackle bovine TB.

A new website has been launched for farmers to find practical advice on dealing with the disease on their land.

A five-point biosecurity action plan and poster campaign are also included in the initiative.

The measures are being promoted by organisations such as Defra, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the National Farmers' Union.

Recommended actions include asking for a herd's TB history before buying cattle, and taking steps to minimise wildlife access to cattle, their feed and housing.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, Farming Minister George Eustice said "good progress" is being made to eradicate TB in England.

'Devastation'

However, he said reducing the risk of disease entering a farm is a "crucial element" to end the "devastation" it causes for farmers and rural communities.

"There are simple and practical ways for farmers to reduce risk to their herds and neighbouring businesses from bovine TB which are set out in this new action plan approved by vets and farming experts," he added.

Mr Eustice encouraged all cattle farmers to visit the new website and "think about the actions they could take to make a difference to improving the security of their herd".

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of cattle and is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), which can also infect and cause TB in badgers, deer and other mammals.

Badgers, which some claim transmit TB to cattle, have been subjected to culls in Somerset and Gloucestershire for three years running. A pilot cull in Dorset is also being held this year.

According to Defra, about 30,000 cattle were slaughtered in Great Britain in 2014 because of bovine TB.