BVA welcomes new bovine TB strategy

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has praised the holistic approach taken by the new draft bovine tuberculosis (TB) strategy for England outlined by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Wide-ranging plans announced by Defra include disease surveillance, pre and post-movement cattle testing and the removal of animals exposed to the disease, as well as tracing potential sources of infection and implementing wildlife controls including culling and vaccination trials.

The ultimate aim of these plans will be to completely eradicate the disease in England within the next 25 years.

Both the BVA and British Cattle Veterinary Association were involved in the early stages of consultation and have welcomed the overall approach being taken.

Peter Jones, president of the BVA, particularly praised the development of area-based strategies and the establishment of specific targets for the government, the industry and veterinary professionals.

He added: "We have long argued that there is no single measure that can effectively tackle bovine TB on its own and so we are delighted that this strategy looks at the bigger picture."