Bovine TB outbreak must be treated with the same urgency as Covid, scientists say
Bovine TB ‘should be treated with the same urgency as Covid’
- Scientists warn that England's bovine tuberculosis eradication target of 2038 is unlikely to be met without a significant increase in urgency, funding, and political consensus.
- The disease has cost taxpayers and farmers billions since 2010, with current efforts projected to eradicate it closer to 2080 than the target year.
- Controversial badger culling, which has faced strong opposition, is set to end before the next election, with scientists suggesting the 2038 target can still be met through non-lethal means.
- Experts recommend treating bovine TB with urgency akin to the Covid-19 pandemic, accelerating cattle vaccine development, improving biosecurity, and appointing a senior official to lead the strategy.
- The farming minister stated the government is committed to eradication, citing record badger vaccinations, a new field force, and plans for a comprehensive new strategy early next year.