Bovine tuberculosis (bTB)
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium bovis. The number of cattle identified as bTB positive has increased dramatically in the UK over the past 15 years. The disease is now a significant problem for a large number of livestock producers in Britain, particularly in south-west England and south and west Wales.

The root causes and continued incidence of bTB are complex - it is the Soil Association's view that no single factor, whether culling badgers or controlling cattle movements, could be the complete answer to tackling bTB. The polarisation of the debate on whether or not to cull badgers has diverted vital effort and resources from investigating other factors. Defra must redirect resources into approaches for managing the disease, which address the underlying causes of its increased occurrence, and investigate potential practical measures for reducing livestock susceptibility. Increased support should also be made available for affected farmers - given the economic and psychological impacts on farmers who have reactor herds can be devastating.

Peter Melchett, policy director said: "The Soil Association is clear that reducing the susceptibility of cattle to infection is vital. Healthy, stress-free animals are less likely to be infected, and there is some evidence that suggests trace element deficiencies caused by depleted soils may induce a susceptibility to TB. Official attitudes have tended towards attempts to eradicate disease, but we consider such approaches are not sustainable, practically, economically and politically in the long-term. A new emphasis should be on creating ‘positive health’ within livestock. Nevertheless, we accept that strict measures should remain in order to contain the further spread of the disease."

News
Defra must adopt a multi-faceted approach to tackling cattle TB
The final report of the Independent Scientific Group on bovine TB is published today (February 27 2008).
The Committee's conclusion is that there is no simple solution that will control cattle TB. The Government must adopt a multi-faceted approach to tackling the disease, using all methods available. These include: more frequent cattle testing, the evaluation of post-movement cattle testing, greater communication with farmers on the benefits of biosecurity measures, the deployment of badger and cattle vaccines when they become available in the future and continued work on the epidemiology of the disease.
The Committee recognises that under certain well-defined circumstances it is possible that culling could make a contribution towards the reduction in incidence of cattle TB in hot spot areas. However, as there is a significant risk that any patchy, disorganised or short-term culling could make matters worse. It is unlikely that such culling would be sanctionable in more than a limited number of areas. The Committee recognises that culling alone will never provide a universal solution to the problem.
Efra Committee Press Notice (27 Feb)
The Times (27 Feb, p.25)
The Daily Telegraph (27 Feb, p.3)
The Independent (27 Feb, p.5)
Soil Association press release: A sustainable strategy for tackling TB in cattle and badgers (Oct 2007)

For more information:
Response to vaccines for bovine tuberculosis

Please find the latest response from Phil Stocker, Head of food and farming at the Soil Association



» A sustainable strategy for tackling TB in cattle and badgers
» Soil Association briefing: An organic farming perspective on bovine TB
» Animal Health - the Prevention of Infectious Livestock Diseases

Producer members needing technical advice can contact the Soil Association food and farming department on 0117 914 2400.

» Defra's information on bTB