Farmers now able to access free TB advice
All English farmers can now access free TB advice regardless of their risk status, following the awarding of a new contract.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) granted the TB Advisory Service (TBAS) Successor Contract to Farmcare Solutions, an entirely vet-led team.
The joint venture company is made up of VetPartners, Independent Vet Care (IVC), UK Farmcare and Obligace.
The new contract introduces some fundamental changes to TBAS including:
The changes mean even more farmers can receive the tools and know-how to assess what can be controlled on-farm to reduce the risk and length of a TB breakdown.
Sarah Tomlinson, technical director at TBAS said:
The expansion to TBAS means we can help farmers do everything within their power to prevent the spread of TB into previously unaffected locations.
“At VetPartners we witness the devastation caused by TB first-hand, both for farm businesses and the mental health of people affected by an outbreak.
"This is why it’s crucial for farmers to get independent veterinary advice, bespoke to their farm, free of charge.”
Tomlinson explained that pigs, sheep, goats, deer and camelids can all be infected with TB, so it makes complete sense to extend the service to all livestock sectors, giving farmers more control over TB through simple cost-effective changes to farm biosecurity measures.
