Shropshire beef farmers told to bone up on bovine TB

Agricultural experts today called on beef farmers in Shropshire to learn more about a change in the rules on bovine TB to help them manage their herds more efficiently.

The National Beef Association has launched a bid to draw attention to a change in the TB rules, which it feels many farmers do not know about, and will hugely affect how they manage their businesses.

Earlier this month, the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) withdrew the ability for certain TB-affected farms to restock their herds.

Farmers may have to wait 60 days to restock, so that their land is suitably isolated.

Bill Harper, NBA TB committee chairman, said: "The rules only changed at the beginning of this month but we are concerned not enough farmers know about it and could be severely affected.

"Our members who have already been hit by the change voiced huge surprise at the goalposts being moved and we feel everyone should be aware of what's going on so they can prepare their businesses, in whatever small way they can.

"This change does need to be better communicated to farmers, because of the huge impact it can have on those suffering under the already crippling effect of TB rules."

Farmers locally are anxiously awaiting the results of trials in the south west, where badgers are being culled to prevent the spread of TB.

Local vets are also encouraging farmers to inoculate their animals to prevent the disease in Shropshire.

Mr Harper said the change was one of the results from the recent TB audit by the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO).

The audit threw up concerns about England's TB eradication plan and this restocking rule change (along with others planned for the future) is necessary to ensure that the EU continues to fund England's TB programme and also allows trade between England and the rest of Europe.

See also:

• Huge rise in Shropshire bovine TB culling figures

• Badger cull areas selected

• Letter: Don’t blame the badgers