TB Testing Should be Left With Local Vets

The Tenant Farmers Association has written to DEFRA Minister of State, Jim Paice, arguing against proposals to take responsibility for TB testing away from local vets.

 

New arrangements are to be introduced requiring that all herds of more than 100 animals should be tested by a State Veterinary Officer as opposed to a private veterinary practitioner. 

 

The TFA’s Chief Executive George Dunn said “Whilst the motive for the change is not clear we presume that the intention is cost-reduction.  However, for a number of reasons we believe that the change proposed would be a false economy as well as adding to the stress of the farmers and animals concerned”.

 

“Local vets involved in TB testing are highly skilled and efficient in the practice.  Because they are familiar with the livestock, farm setup and staff, experienced local vets can get through at least double the number of tests per hour compared to State vets with absolutely no difference in the thoroughness of their examination.  The move to increased use of State vets will also lead to a significant extra cost to the farmer and his staff who will have to spend more time with the vet during the testing process,” said Mr Dunn.

 

“Not only are there additional costs but also additional stress to the animals being tested as they will be handled and corralled over a longer period of time,” said Mr Dunn.

 

The TFA is also concerned that for many local veterinary practices in livestock areas TB testing has become part of their bread and butter. 

 

“We fear that if TB testing work is taken away from local vets that they will either have to increase significantly their costs to the livestock industry for other services which may put those services out of reach or they will go out of business altogether which will be a major loss to the farming community and wider rural economy,” said Mr Dunn.

 

"There are other ways in which money could be saved including updating the test which is around 50 years old.  The implementation of new technology and procedures could significantly reduce the time that vets have to spend on farm," said Mr Dunn.

 

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Notes for Editors:

 

For further information contact George Dunn on 0118 930 6130 or 07721 998961 or TFA Communications and Events Co-ordinator, Jenna Kirkpatrick on 0118 930 6130.