Farmers and industry professionals are being given the chance to come together to discuss the ongoing issue of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) at the annual National TB Conference on 29 November, at Worcester Sixways Stadium.

The event, run by the TB Advisory Service (TBAS), aims to showcase the achievements over the last 10 years of the English TB eradication programme and discuss what is needed to be bTB free by 2038.

During the conference, a Q&A session will include panellists such as BCVA president Bridget Taylor, NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw, James Wood from the bTB Partnership, Defra’s Ruth Little and vet Christoph Egli, IDEXX director associate of medical affairs.

Dr Egli, an expert in cattle health programmes, explains that IDEXX is proud to support this important industry event by sharing epidemiology expertise with the audience.

“Events like this are so important to facilitate open discussions and learnings from all areas of the industry, where everyone has a shared goal of eradicating TB. We believe that all parties will come away with new knowledge and inspiration,” he says.

“It’s vital that we play a part in this common effort to make a difference in TB detection, creating a faster reduction in its prevalence and reducing the risk associated with it through our testing services and support.”

Commenting on how data and diagnostics can help further the cause to eradicate bTB, Dr Egli said: “While services like ours may seem a very small part of the eradication effort, we feel it’s diagnostics are an essential detail of how it will be achieved.”

IDEXX Key Account Manager for UK and Ireland Lilia Kazemi-Egbunike adds: “We’re pleased to sharing expertise of over 40 years of livestock diagnostics at the event, while providing advice and support on implementing and using our testing solutions.”

TBAS technical director and Kingshay veterinary consultant, Sarah Tomlinson, says why support is needed from across the industry:

“Years of research and data analysis has already proven that collaboration across the industry and government is key to success when it comes to TB, but we need to do more. Yes, science and evidence is important, but we need people to believe in it and act on it to achieve change.

Tickets are now available to the conference being held on Wednesday 29 November, 9am to 4.30pm at Worcester Sixways Stadium. The event is supported by Defra, the bTB Partnership, and main sponsors, IDEXX.

View the conference agenda here.

Tickets cost £75 per person and can be booked here before 28 November.

For further information, and to find out about opportunities to lead sessions or support the event, please contact the Kingshay office on 01458 851555 or email admin@tbas.org.uk.