Farmers whose herds are at risk of bovine TB will be able to access expert help on protecting their animals through a new Defra-funded advisory scheme.

The service launched today at the Dairy Show in Shepton Mallett and will provide both on-farm and phone or email advice to farmers in High Risk and Edge Areas of England with trained consultants providing knowledge to help prevent the spread of bTB based on the biosecurity 5 point plan.

It is an important part of the long-term plan to eradicate the disease in all animals. Bovine TB costs taxpayers over £100m every year and England has the highest incidence of the disease in Europe. In 2016 more than 29,000 cattle had to be slaughtered in England to control the disease, causing devastation and distress for farmers and rural communities.

The helpline will offer advice to farmers on limiting on-farm disease risk, while farm visits will offer clear, practical advice to help farmers protect their herds and, if needed, manage the impacts of a TB breakdown on their farm. Farmers wanting to register their interest in this can call 01306 779410 or email info@tbas.org.uk.

Over the next three years the service, delivered by industry specialists Origin Group, will offer 2,400 visits to farms in the South West and West Midlands from Cornwall to Derbyshire.

The TB advisory service adds to the support and information already available via the TB Hub (www.tbhub.co.uk).

Welcoming the launch of the new service, Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said:

“Bovine TB is one of the greatest animal health threats in the UK and has a devastating impact on our farmers.

“As part of our comprehensive long term plan to eradicate the disease, I am delighted to announce that from today, farmers will be able to access even more help and support via the new bTB Advisory Service.

“Alongside the existing TB Hub, The bTB Advisory Service will help arm our farmers with the knowledge they need to prevent this devastating disease spreading - a vital weapon in our fight to protect the UK’s herds and our farmers’ futures.”

The creation of the bTB Advisory Service was announced last month alongside the relaunch of the Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme.

The biosecurity 5 point plan can help farmers protect their herds and those of their neighbours:

·         Restrict contact between badgers and cattle

·         Manage cattle feed and water

·         Stop infected cattle entering the herd

·         Reduce risk from neighbouring herds

            Minimise infection from cattle manure