TB strategy for England right to take holistic approach say vets
Veterinary associations have welcomed the publication of the draft TB Strategy for England.
The strategy, published today by Defra, sets out an holistic approach to eradicate bovine TB within 25 years. It has been developed by the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England (AHWBE) and the Bovine TB Eradication Advisory Group for England (TBEAG).
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) took part in the early stages of consultation and have welcomed the overall strategy with a view to consulting members of the veterinary profession on the detail.
Commenting, Peter Jones, President of the BVA, said:
“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 and draws together all of the available tools in the toolbox.
“The document represents a new way of looking at the disease and we are pleased to note the development of area-based strategies that recognise the need for specific and differing approaches in endemic areas and edge areas.
“We are particularly pleased that for the first time the government is setting itself, and the industry and veterinary profession, specific targets. This will help us focus our efforts and pull together towards these goals and we will now be consulting our members and divisions on the draft strategy to hear their views on the role vets can play in achieving these targets.”
Jonathan Statham, President of BCVA, added:
“We welcome the publication of the draft strategy and are pleased that we have had the opportunity to input into the process.
“The overall strategy sets the right direction of travel towards eradicating bovine TB but we need to consider the detail and consult our members as the role of cattle vets will be crucial to the successful delivery of the strategy.
“We are currently developing proposals on how vets can deliver an enhanced service alongside TB testing, and this will soon be piloted in six areas of Wales through Cymorth TB. We look forward to developing similar proposals in England.”
