Bovine TB: Working in partnership
The Government is committed to working in partnership with our key stakeholders to tackle bovine TB (bTB). The Government strategic framework for the sustainable control of bovine tuberculosis for Great Britain, published in March 2005, was developed in consultation with stakeholders. One of the framework’s twelve strategic goals is to ensure that, in line with the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, Government, delivery agents and stakeholders work in partnership in full recognition of their roles and responsibilities, sharing ownership of disease control and prevention. One of the new commitments in the strategic framework is to:
“Improve communications with stakeholders, replacing the existing TB Forum with an annual conference, and maintaining direct contact with stakeholders on specific issues'.
The Government has made, and continues to make, good progress in improving communications with stakeholders and developing a partnership approach. The TB Forum has been replaced with two stakeholder engagement processes – the annual TB conference for Great Britain and the Bovine TB Advisory Group – although these formal arrangements do not preclude the ongoing dialogue and discussions between Government and stakeholder organizations or individuals.
Annual bovine TB conference for Great Britain
In line with the commitment outlined above, Defra has held a TB conference in each of the last two years, both of which were attended by a wide range of stakeholders. The general aim of each conference was to present a balanced coverage of bTB issues affecting Great Britain, with a clear focus on exchange of information with stakeholders on bTB developments, in particular the research programme, and provide opportunities for discussion. Conference details, presentations and outcomes are available via the links below.
It is anticipated that this year’s conference will be held during Autumn/Winter 2008.
Bovine TB Advisory Group
The TB Advisory Group was formed in October 2006 to advise the Chief Veterinary Officer and Ministers on development and implementation of practical bTB control policies in England. Peter Jinman, Chairman of the group, is supported by four members from various backgrounds with a range of interests to ensure the group has a balance of experience across farming, veterinary, conservation and welfare issues. The group will play a leading role in Defra's engagement with interested organisations. More information on the group's work can be found here.
Other stakeholder groups
Consistent with the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, Government works in partnership with stakeholders to help us arrive at policy decisions that reflect a robust, fair and cost-effective approach taking into account and balancing stakeholder perspectives. Recognising that the challenge of tacking bTB requires a common understanding of roles and responsibilities within the stakeholder community, Defra has, in recent years, worked with stakeholder groups on developing various bTB policies.
-
In February 2007, updated husbandry best practice advice was published by the Bovine TB Husbandry Working Group in partnership with Defra to help farmers reduce the risk of bTB transmission. The Working Group was set up to identify appropriate and practical advice from evidence and experience. Members were drawn from the National Farmers Union, the British Cattle Veterinary Association, the Wildlife Trusts, the Soil Association, Animal Health (formerly SVS), the Welsh Assembly Government, the Central Science Laboratory, Defra and three individual farmers. The TB Advisory Group provided the Husbandry Working Group with their views on the promotion of the advice.
-
In Spring 2006, the Cattle Compensation Advisory Group was established to help Government monitor the introduction of the current cattle compensation arrangements. The group is made up of various stakeholders, including representatives from the National Farmers Union, valuer organisations, pedigree beef sector, pedigree dairy sector, organic sector and the Meat and Livestock Commission.
-
In September 2004, a core stakeholder group, comprising a small number of experts representing a wide range of views, was formed to helped steer the development of the TB Strategic Framework and to give appropriate weight and balance to the contending stakeholder views. Following the publication of the Strategic Framework in March 2005, the core stakeholder group continued to advise Defra on policy proposals until the new bTB Advisory Group was established in October 2006
-
In September 2004, an independently chaired bTB pre-movement testing stakeholder group was set up and tasked with recommending an effective and practical mechanism for reducing the risk of disease spread through cattle movements. The group put forward its recommendations for the statutory requirement for bTB pre-movement testing in Great Britain in May 2005. Since then, pre-movement testing has become compulsory throughout Great Britain for the movement of all animals over 42 days old moving out of a 1-or-2 yearly tested herd, subject to some exemptions. More information can be found on our pre-movement testing pages.
Page last modified:
July 7, 2008