Originally from: mona parr
                        
UPDATE ON THE GB BOVINE TB STRATEGY, INCLUDING NOTIFICATION OF ENHANCEMENTS TO EXISITING TB CONTROLS

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2004/040914d.htm
 
A new stakeholder group, the TB Strategy Core Stakeholder Group, is being set up to steer the development and communication of a new GB strategy for bovine tuberculosis. The small group of experts, which will meet for the first time on 20 September, will help officials give appropriate weight and balance to the views submitted in response to 'Preparing for a new GB Strategy on bovine TB', issued earlier this year by Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Scottish Executive. With the help of the new group we aim to have the new strate gy ready for publication in early 2005.

One of the main messages from the consultation was the need to prevent further spread of the disease. Therefore, whilst a new strategy is still under development Defra has confirmed the introduction of a number of new 'short-term' control measures. These are:

A recalculation of routine testing intervals to ensure TB testing complies with Commission legislation while offering robust protection. To support this, reviews of testing frequencies will be undertaken each year, with farmers being individually notified of the results;
Livestock movement restrictions to be imposed immediately a herd's routine test becomes overdue;
A more rigorous and systematic approach to identifying and dealing with potential new TB hotspots; and
The introduction of rigorous testing schedules for new and reformed herds. Implementation dates for the changes are being finalised.

In addition, a further small group of stakeholders is being set up to develop a detailed proposal to implement pre-movement testing of cattle (the Pre-Movement Testing Sub-Group). The proposal will be developed on the basis that farmers would pay for the tests and will be subject to a further short consultation.

A free guidance leaflet detailing the changes will be sent to all beef and dairy farmers shortly.

Notes for editors

1. Membership of the TB Strategy Core Stakeholder Group and Pre-Movement Testing Sub-Groups are being finalised. Members are being selected on the basis of the individual contributions they can make rather than as representatives of their organisations. Terms of Reference will be published on the TB website shortly: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/tb/strategy/newstrategy.htm.

2. The changes associated with the 'short-term options' have been agreed with the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department and the Agricultural Rural Affairs Department of the Welsh Assembly Government.

3. The Scottish Executive will be issuing a similar press release.

4. The changes detailed here were first outlined (as proposed 'short term options') in Defra's consultation on TB strategy, which began in February 2004. Seven regional stakeholder meetings were held during Spring 2004 to discuss the implications of these changes.