BVA calls for action to tackle bovine tuberculosis

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged the government and agriculture industry to take action in order to curb the threat posed by bovine tuberculosis.

Figures recently released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs revealed that the number of cattle slaughtered in Britain as reactors or direct contacts of the disease rose by ten percent year-on-year in 2012 to 37,753.

This total does not include the number of cows slaughtered as inconclusive reactors, while the statistics also showed that more farms are now being tested in order to keep on top of the spread of the infection.

Carl Padgett, past president of the BVA, said the report is indicative of the need for urgent action to tackle this serious problem.

He explained that the organisation needs to ensure "compliance among farmers with the tougher cattle control measures, a strong push from the government on cattle and badger vaccination and support for measures to tackle the disease in badgers through piloting a targeted, humane cull".

Pilot badger culls were planned by the government last autumn, but were subsequently postponed until this year due to logistical concerns.