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NEWS RELEASE

Ref: 9/07
Date: 16 January 2007

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TB Advisory Group publishes report on pre-movement testing

A report setting out the TB Advisory Group's advice to Defra Ministers and the Chief Veterinary Officer on the practical delivery and impacts of pre-movement testing has been published by Defra today.

The Group, chaired by Peter Jinman, has made a number of practical recommendations to improve the delivery of pre-movement testing in the short term, and for consideration in the longer term.

Peter Jinman said:

"The Group was asked by Defra to offer advice on the practical delivery and impacts of pre-movement testing. Our report, which was produced in a short time frame with the evidence available then, makes a number of recommendations which are for Government, the State Veterinary Service and industry to take forward.

"The control of bovine TB is a joint responsibility and our recommended improvements will benefit all. We support pre-movement testing as a means of reducing the risk of spread of TB through cattle movements, although we recognise the strength of concern in the industry about the costs of extending pre-movement testing to younger animals. We will continue to monitor progress on pre-movement testing and will offer further advice to Ministers and the CVO as appropriate".

Minister for Animal Health and Welfare, Ben Bradshaw, welcomed the report and thanked the group for its work:

"I am grateful to Peter Jinman and his team for their constructive advice. Pre-movement testing is an important measure for tackling TB and we want to continue to work closely with interested organisations to ensure the system works effectively.

"These recommendations are for consideration by both government and industry and I am looking forward to working in partnership to take this forward. We will respond to the TB Advisory Group in due course."

The full report can be viewed at:

 

Notes to editors

1.The TB Advisory Group has been set up to help deliver the aims of the Government strategic framework for the sustainable control of bovine TB in Great Britain by:

  • advising on development and implementation of  bovine TB control policies in England providing in particular a practical perspective;
  • working with interested organisations to  take account of wider views in developing advice and also to help  promote a shared understanding ;  
  • responding to requests for advice from Ministers and the CVO, and identifying and advising on issues of concern to interested organisations.
  • Members are: 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 Chair and members of the TB Advisory Group serve in a personal capacity and will not represent any organisation with which they may be associated.
  • The TB Advisory Group is working to build links with a wide range of organisations, including the England Implementation Group and the Welsh TB Action Group. More information on the group can be found at: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/tb/partnership/advisorygroup.htm

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Page published: 16 January 2007

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs