We’re urging members to seize hold of an opportunity to have a say on all aspects of the current bovine TB regime.
A new Animal Health and Welfare Board consultation asks those involved in the fight against the disease to share ideas on strengthening prevention work and reducing the impact on farm businesses.
The board is looking at issues including measures in place to limit the spread of the disease, the testing process, compensation arrangements, advice and the removal of animals which test positive.
Some of the key questions include:
•What further measures could be put in place to reduce disease transmission?
•Can government and industry do more to crack down on risky practices?
•How can we stop the disease moving into new areas?
•Can the livestock industry do things differently and more for itself?
•What is the right division of future responsibilities between government and industry when it comes to TB testing and compensation arrangements?
•How can we make the right changes happen in these times of national budget deficits and a reducing Defra budget?
There are a number of ways to get involved.
You can provide feedback online through the Farmers Weekly site. A survey, which you can find here, will run until October 19.
The Animal Health and Welfare Board is also touring the country to ask farmers and veterinarians for their views directly. Workshops will be held in Exeter (September 18), West Sussex (September 25), Telford (October 2) and York (October 11). You can also contribute your thoughts in writing.
Visit the Defra website for full details, here.
NFU comment
"We hope that livestock keepers and farmers generally take this opportunity of having an input into the development of the options for the control and eventual eradication of this disease."
Meat Trade News Daily Supporting British Pig Farmers
Source: nfuonline.com
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