Bovine TB: TB Advisory Group

The TB Advisory Group Secretariat has closed. All questions relating to the work of the TB Advisory Group should be directed to: Defra, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR. (telephone 08459 33 55 77).

TB Advisory Group Final Report

On 8 April 2009 the TB Advisory Group published their final report to Ministers. The report is the conclusion of almost three years work where the Group played a key role in obtaining stakeholder buy-in to TB control policies, independently challenged Government and considered issues of concern to stakeholders whilst advising on practical implementation of control policies.

The full report can be seen below:

The report will aid the newly established TB Eradication Group for England in their deliberations and provide valuable information which can be drawn on to develop future policy.

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The TB Advisory Group was established in November 2006 in response to a commitment in the 2005 Strategic Framework on Bovine TB to establish a new stakeholder group to advise on the development and implementation of bovine TB policies.

The appointed Chairman of the TB Advisory Group, Peter Jinman, played a leading role in Defra’s engagement with interested organisations. He reported to Defra Ministers and the Chief Veterinary Officer.

A small number of members were appointed with different backgrounds and interests to ensure a balance of experience across farming, veterinary, conservation and welfare issues. Members were: Brian Jennings (beef farmer), Bill Madders (dairy farmer), James Kirkwood (veterinary scientist with animal welfare expertise, Universities Federation for Animal Welfare) and Andrew Cunningham (scientist with wildlife conservation expertise, Institute of Zoology).

The Advisory Group website will be retained by Defra at this location for the foreseeable future, as part of the Group’s formal archive of papers relating to their work.

On average, the TB Advisory Group met monthly giving the Group the opportunity to listen to the views and concerns of all interested organisations on tackling bovine TB in England and helping inform their advice to the department. Summaries of their meetings can be found below: