Farmers angry at TB lifeline cut-off
Farmers have hit out at government plans to scrap quarantine facilities on TB-infected farms.
DEFRA is proposing to phase out de-restricted parts of TB-infected premises by the end of September 2014.
The controversial plan is one of six proposals outlined in a consultation document – launched by the government body back in November – in an attempt to further tighten cattle controls.
But one farmer has labelled the measure “draconian”, and an NFU spokesman said, if approved, it would cut off a “lifeline” for farmers under TB restrictions.
Other DEFRA proposals under scrutiny
- Proposal: To pre-movement test cattle going to and from common land from April 2014. Problem: The NFU says it is both impractical and dangerous to conduct tests on ground where there is a lack of facilities. Failed pre-movement tests will also put pressure on stocking rates, it says.
- Proposal: To pre-movement test cattle attending shows. Problem: It may put farmers off attending such events, which are a vital showcase for agriculture.
- Proposal: To pre-movement test cattle within Sole Occupancy Authorities (SOAs). Problem: It will be prohibitively costly to businesses with multiple holdings. The NFU is recommending it be replaced with a 10-mile rule, which will enable farmers to amalgamate blocks of land without notification of movement.
The dairy farmer, who wished to remain anonymous, said “they haven’t thought of the consequences.”
Alex Stevens, Somerset county adviser for the NFU said: “For herds under TB restrictions [the facility] is a lifeline.”
Currently, partial de-restriction and quarantine facilities act as a valuable management tool for many cattle farmers, enabling them to resume trade – subject to two clear tests of animals at those premises – even if the main herd continues to be shut down.
Although approved finishing units could be set up as a potential outlet for these animals, the market for these animals would be restricted and it is not a viable route for breeding stock.
The proposal has so far been strongly opposed by the NFU and its members, who believe the risk of cattle-to-cattle spread should be managed on an individual basis through risk assessments, as discussed with AHVLA vets.
NFU chief livestock adviser Peter Garbutt said: “Instead of just saying: ‘Right, we are going to blanket ban this practice completely,’ it is about looking where the risk is and mitigating it [on an individual basis].”
The NFU has urged livestock farmers to provide feedback on proposed changes to bovine TB measures before the consultation closes on 10 January.
Click here to view the consultation document.
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