LATEST BOVINE TB FIGURES SUGGEST GOVERNMENT SHOULD RETHINK POLICY - WILLIAMS

9.59.45am GMT Thu 20th Nov 2008

Commenting today on the latest bovine TB figures, Roger Williams MP, Liberal Democrat Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson, has suggested the Government rethink their policy on bovine TB and badger culling.

Figures released by the combined Agricultural Departments for the UK and the National Office of Statistics, showed a 28% increase in the levels of TB for the period January - August 2008 compared with the same period in 2007.

Mr Williams said:

"These figures will be of major concern to livestock farmers.

"Not only has there been an increase in the incidences of bovine TB but the number of tests has decreased, which could be masking an even bigger problem.

"The Government say that they will introduce a vaccine to deal with bovine TB but this won't be available for badgers until 2014 and for cattle that date is late 2015.

"By the time the vaccine is available for widespread use it may be too late for many livestock farmers.

"I urge the government to rethink their policy."

NOTES:

The report can be found at: https://statistics.defra.gov.uk/esg/statnot/tbpn.pdf