Campaign facts

What is bovine TB and why is it such a big issue?

• Bovine TB is a strain of tuberculosis (a bacterial disease usually affecting the lungs)
• Bovine TB can infect a wide range of animals including cattle and badgers
• Prior to the pasteurisation of milk and the testing and slaughter of infected cattle, bovine TB was an important source of TB in humans. However, control measures now mean that the current risk to human health is considered negligible
• Although bovine TB is serious in cattle if it fully develops, it is very rare to see clinical symptoms in the UK because infected animals are identified through testing and culled long before they show any
• The disease, and efforts to control it, have serious economic implications for farmers and government
• According to Defra, in 2006-7 cattle testing and surveillance in England cost about £44 million and £24.5 million was paid in compensation to farmers for cattle compulsorily slaughtered
• According to the Welsh Assembly Government, in 2006-7 spending on TB compensation and associated costs (e.g. haulage and slaughter) totalled just under £11.7 million
• The RSPCA recognises that bovine TB in cattle causes massive hardship for farmers whose herds are affected and that there needs to be a sustainable and humane solution
• Over 92% of herds in Great Britain are free of bTB, according to the Animal Health 2006 Report of the Chief Veterinary Officer 

For more information about badgers, cattle, and TB, read our badger information PDF. Badger information (PDF 96.1kb)

Sign our badgers petition. Go to: www.backoffbadgers.org.uk