Bovine TB causing serious problems for farmers

The spread of tuberculosis in cattle could have “dire and widespread consequences” for agricultural and rural businesses if it is not contained, a new report has warned.

Researchers from the University of Exeter found that farmers faced significant ongoing costs, cash flow problems and increased workloads due to the problem, even though cattle infected with TB are quickly removed from herds.

The study involved more than 100 farmers whose herds had been affected by bovine TB in southwest England, as well as vets, livestock hauliers, auctioneers and agricultural supply business.

Bovine TB is one of the most difficult animal health problems faced by farmers and it has increased by 18% annually in recent years.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) pays compensation to farmers for animals infected with TB who have to be removed. However, it does not compensate farmers for consequential losses. The team at the University of Exeter found that most of the farms affected by TB in the survey had received compensation sufficient to reduce the measurable financial cost to themselves to less than £1,000, but found that some farms incurred much higher losses.

Report co-author Andrew Shephard, of the University of Exeter’s Centre for Rural Research said: “I think this study demonstrates why farmers are so angry about the spread of TB. While it seems the average farmer is compensated adequately for the measurable financial losses, there are also significant effects on their personal and social well-being, which cannot be quantified. Many farmers we spoke to say that if they continue to suffer successive cases of TB they will consider leaving the industry. A number feel they just cannot cope with the uncertainty and the extra work that goes with the disease, both on a business and personal level. Obviously, this could have dire consequences for agriculture in the south west with knock on effects for rural businesses.”

Bovine TB was brought under reasonable control in the 1970s, but is unclear why it is beginning to increase again. However, some farmers and vets believe that the infection comes from wildlife, particularly badgers, although conservationists have argued that there is no enough evidence to support a cull.

Defra has announced plans to begin a small-scale, three-year vaccine field study in badgers, as part of the attempt to control the spread of bovine TB. The proposed study would take place in the southwest of England in mid 2006 and would involve badgers being injected with the BCG vaccine, which is the same vaccination given to humans.

(KMcA)