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Bovine TB engagement

Eradicating bovine TB is an important area of AHWBE’s work in developing and delivering animal health and welfare policies in England.

We aim for a fair balance of roles and responsibilities for animal health and welfare, and that these are agreed, understood, transparent and acted upon by all, including animal keepers, Government and others. There is also a need to manage overall risk, and costs of animal disease to industry, taxpayers and the wider economy.

Call for views on future bovine TB strategy and how to meet the challenges ahead

In autumn 2012, we held an informal stakeholder engagement on strategic issues including different approaches to tackling TB, delivery of TB testing, reactor removal and compensation, advice and support, and insurance.

This informal approach marked the start of a process to gather evidence from people that reflects personal experience and practical knowledge of the disease, and is an important step in establishing greater dialogue and collaborative working between Government, the livestock industry and the veterinary profession.

The engagement comprised a 6-week period for written submissions, four regional workshops, and an online survey hosted by Farmers Weekly. More than 600 people responded, and we are grateful to all those who spared the time to contribute.

In January 2013 we published the summary of responses to the informal dialogue, along with reports from each of the regional workshops.

We will continue to reflect on the responses as we develop our advice to Defra Ministers on possible changes to strategic policy on TB eradication in England. Continuing with the dialogue is also important and future activities will aim to build on the strengthened working relationships which have developed.

Page last modified: 18 January 2013