Severe mental health toll of bovine TB revealed in report

A newly commissioned report by The Farming Community Network (FCN) highlights the severe health and wellbeing effects of bovine tuberculosis on farmers across the UK.

Based on contributions from more than 450 farmers throughout 2023-24, the research sheds light on the ongoing emotional and financial toll of this persistent disease.

The report, titled Finding the Box-Top: Addressing the Human Cost of bTB (PDF), reveals the overwhelming mental health struggles that farmers face, including fear, depression, sleeplessness, and a profound sense of losing control over their businesses and personal lives.

See also: Bovine TB: Farmers and vets suffer mental health toll

Farmers also expressed that the anticipation of government testing and the constant threat of an outbreak were often more distressing than the disease itself.

One farmer from a High Risk Area said: “Horrific interest rates eroded our ability to survive, yet that still pales with the loss of our beautiful cows.”

This personal testimony reflects the deep emotional and financial damage many farmers are enduring as they cope with the challenges of dealing with bovine TB cattle herd breakdowns.

The report reveals that the long-term consequences of TB – ranging from mental health issues to halted business expansion – are causing widespread disengagement from government policies aimed at controlling the disease.

Farmers feel overwhelmed by bureaucratic regulations and the pressure of compliance, which often outweighs the immediate impacts of the disease itself.

FCN’s research suggests that the UK’s current approach to bovine TB management is insufficient in addressing these human costs.

Independent agency

The report recommends the creation of an independent agency to manage bovine TB outside of government control, drawing inspiration from New Zealand’s successful model.

The aim is to foster collaboration between the government and the agricultural sector, reducing the burden on farmers and ensuring their voices are heard in policy decisions.

Dr Jude McCann, chief executive of FCN, expressed hope that the report’s findings will lead to increased awareness of the emotional and financial challenges faced by farmers and greater support for their mental health and wellbeing.

FCN is calling for more comprehensive strategies that balance disease control with the needs of farmers.

This latest research builds upon a 2009 report (PDF) produced by FCN into stress and loss associated with bovine TB.