Bovine TB: Strategic Framework
Overall vision:
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12 strategic goals:
To ensure minimal risks to public health from exposure to bTB through continuing cattle surveillance and control, slaughterhouse inspections and heat treatment of milk, occupational health controls and monitoring for human cases of bTB.
To have a regional approach to the control of bTB which will slow down and stop the geographic spread of the disease and achieve a sustained and steady reduction in disease incidence in current high incidence areas.
In line with the AHWS, Government, delivery agents and stakeholders work in partnership, in full recognition of their roles and responsibilities, sharing ownership of disease control and prevention.
To have a transparent process for making decisions on whether badger culling may form part of future policy, and what form (if any) such culling would take, in light of the results of the RBCT and/or any other relevant scientific evidence.
Cattle surveillance and control is effective, delivered efficiently, and provides good value for money. Cattle welfare continues not to be compromised by bTB, and more effective controls offer scope to improve the welfare of wildlife. Disease incidents in new areas are dealt with promptly and efficiently to prevent the establishment of new potential hotspots. Surveillance information is published regularly and is up to date, providing a reliable information base for those advising and enabling local risk-based decision making.
Government will continue to develop a sound scientific evidence base by supporting research to improve our understanding of the disease and generate new tools, particularly in relation to diagnostics and vaccines. It is hoped that this will deliver the prospect of eventual eradication of bTB in cattle. The research outputs will be available and accessible to all interested parties to help improve understanding of risks and risk management.
To have arrangements consistent with Government guidelines and policy for securing independent scientific advice.
There is a wider understanding of the disease and possible control strategies, aided by effective communications through national regional and local networks.
In line with the AHWS, the reasons for Government intervention are clear and costs of bTB controls are shared fairly between beneficiaries.
Standards are delivered and enforced effectively.
To continue to influence and comply with EU and international rules relating to bTB and learn from what has been achieved in other countries.
Achieving a common understanding of, and widespread adoption of herd health planning both within the cattle industry and the veterinary profession that advises it, with a strong emphasis on disease prevention. This is a commitment from the AHWS.
Page last modified:
July 7, 2008