DEFRA today

2 messages

Originally from: mona parr

Consultation on cattle compensation: Bovine TB, Brucellosis, BSE and Enzootic Bovine Leukosis

This consultation document seeks views on proposals on the introduction of table valuations for cattle slaughtered under disease control measures for four cattle diseases, and the establishment of an advisory group on livestock valuations. The deadline for comments is Friday 24 December

http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/cattle-compensate/index.htm

ENHANCEMENTS TO EXISTING TB CONTROLS http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2004/041101e.htm

Defra is strengthening existing cattle controls to reduce the risk of bovine TB spreading to low incidence areas.

The measures, which start today, are:

A recalculation of routine testing intervals to ensure TB testing complies with European legislation while offering robust surveillance. To support this, reviews of testing frequencies will be undertaken each year, with farmers being individually notified of the results;
From: ...

Originally from today the State Veterinary Service is writing to farmers with tests due from 16 February 2005 onwards to outline their testing window and the date that movement restrictions would be applied if the tests are not completed on time. From 16 February 2005 herd movement restrictions will be applied immediately a test becomes overdue;
A more rigorous and systematic approach to identifying and dealing with potential new TB hotspots (with effect from mid November 2004); and
The introduction of rigorous testing schedules for new and reformed herds. The changes focus on prevention and the importance of taking steps to reduce the risk of bovine TB spreading to clean areas.

Letters have been sent to every cattle farmer in Britain. The letters explain the new measures and provide guidance on action that farmers need to take.

Notes for editors

1. The changes, agreed with the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department and the Department for Environment, Planning and Countryside of the Welsh Assembly Government, were first outlined (as proposed 'short term options') in Defra's consultation on TB strategy, which began in February 2004. In addition to these changes Defra has set up a small group of stakeholders (chaired independently by Staffordshire dairy farmer Bill Madders) to develop a detailed proposal to implement pre-movement testing of cattle (which was also detailed in Defra's consultation document). The proposal is being developed on the basis that farmers will pay for the tests and will be subject to a further short consultation.

2. A long term GB strategy for bovine TB is being developed with the assistance of stakeholders and will be introduced in 2005.

3. Seven regional stakeholder meetings were held during Spring 2004 to discuss the implications of these changes.

4. Further information on the new measures is available on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/tb/strategy/newstrategy.htm.