Farmers’ briefing on new bovine TB controls (From Daily Echo)
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Farmers’ briefing on new bovine TB controls
3:20pm Tuesday 8th January 2013 in News
CATTLE farmers in Hampshire can learn how new Government regulations on bovine tuberculosis (BTB) will affect them.
The National Farmers’ Union has organised the meeting next Monday near Winchester for farmers to hear from speakers from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, the NFU and Hampshire Trading Standards.
It will outline the tighter cattle movement controls that came into place across the whole of Hampshire at the start of the year. Vets and livestock market representatives have also been invited. Sandra Nichols, county adviser for the NFU in Hampshire, said: “From now on, all cattle across Hampshire must be tested annually for bovine tuberculosis and any cattle being sold will have to undergo a pre-movement test, with a few exemptions for cattle going direct to slaughter.
“Farmers will undoubtedly face a large cost burden as a result of these changes.
“However, we hope to clear up any confusion about this new regime, to help people minimise the impacts on their businesses and we’ll also highlight options that might help them now and in the future.”
Farmers wishing to attend should call the NFU on 01730 711950, citing their NFU number or a farm name and postcode, to receive event details.
