2008 Bovine Tuberculosis Summary

The 2008 Animal Health Report by the Chief Veterinary Officer highlights 4,986 new incidents of Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB)in 2008.

7 September 2009

2 minute read

Europe

Throughout 2008 there was an increase in the incidences of bTB throughout the UK. New incidences increased by 18.9 per cent compared to 2007.

The Secretary of the State for England announced that licences would not be issued to cull badgers, but a further £20 million would be invested into TB vaccination development over three years under the 'Badger Vaccine Development Project'. A bTB Eradication Group for England was formed to develop an effective and deliverable programme for eradicating bTB in England.

Wales announced a TB eradication plan involving a badger cull through an Intensive Action Pilot Area (IAPA) plan. TB Health Check Wales announced all cattle herds to be tested.

Northern Ireland announced a new phased TB strategy to address three key areas: real partnership between government and industry; controlling the spread of TB between cattle and badgers; and addressing the wildlife factor.

Scotland still reports low incidences of bTB and is maintaining control to protect that status. They have applied to be declared officially tuberculosis-free.

The main concentrations of bTB are found across Wales, the South West and the West Midlands in England. 85 per cent of new incidents were in these areas.

In 2008, of all new incidents, 53 per cent were confirmed on post mortem. The majority of incidents were detected through the statutory routine skin tuberculin testing surveillance programme. A total of 37,012 cattle were slaughtered in 2008 as a result of bTB test reactors, an increase of 42 per cent on 2007.
Over 2008, £94.7 million was spent in Great Britain regarding bTB. £7.3 million of this was spent on 24 projects researching bTB.