Strategy aims to keep low risk of TB in Cumbria

A Government strategy which aims to keep Cumbria at low risk of bovine TB and eventually free of the disease entirely is to be discussed in Carlisle next week, with farmer input.

The strategy is likely to look at tackling TB according to a risk-based approach. This sees England categorised into three different risk areas:

•Low risk area, where the objective is to keep TB out of the area and seek to achieve TB free status progressively in those counties or regions where it is possible.

•High risk area, where disease is endemic and the desire is to reduce incidence.

•Edge of the high risk area where disease is spreading outwards and the desire is to prevent further geographical spread

With Cumbria being classified as a low risk area, the emphasis for farmers in the county will centre firmly on risk-based trading of cattle. In short, that could also mean shouldering some of the cost, a notion NFU Cumbria County Chairman Alan Dickinson is not adverse to.

The Government’s strategy recognises that an industry-led and owned solution to reducing the risk in cattle trading, whilst maintaining the ability to trade, is more cost effective than looking at further regulation.

The strategy mentions the creation of a database to manage and communicate information voluntarily, provided by farmers on TB status.

This will consequently place some onus on the industry to examine how risk-based trading can be delivered effectively.

Dickinson said: “Being TB free is the ultimate aim for the county of Cumbria. If that means cattle coming in from parts of the country where TB is prevalent are treated differently, then that’s no bad thing. As farmers we have to expect some cost sharing with government if we are to keep TB out and I don’t want to see the idea dismissed out of hand. We are all responsible for our own respective businesses. If I make a poor judgement call on my farm which results in a mistake, I will pay for it. I don’t expect anyone to bail me out.

“If TB spreads into Cumbria and our farmers harbour it for three or four years between TB tests unwittingly, the disease will end up costing the industry a lot more than preventing it would. Many farms in high risk areas haven’t had TB at all or not for a long time but testing all animals from these areas after movement and knowing their TB history would give more safeguards”.

Farmers who want to have their say are encouraged to attend Carlisle Borderway Market, Exhibition Hall on Monday 29 July between 11am until 2pm. Michael Seals, Chairman of the Animal Health and Welfare Board and Defra colleagues will be there to talk to farmers, hear their thoughts and answer their questions about achieving bovine TB freedom for England. Presentations will be on the hour or just drop in.