June 10, 2026

Bovine TB control strategy for England

Bovine TB is still one of the biggest problems facing cattle farming. For many years it has been a fraught issue pitting conservationists against farmers in a tense standoff about the most effective route to tackle the problem.

Now a unique new report co-written by some of the most important stakeholders including government, the NFU and independent academics, will lay out a practical plan to achieve Bovine TB-Free status in England by 2038.

The strategy does not rely on one solution. It sets out a joined-up approach that builds on what already works, makes better use of existing tools, introduces new ones where they make the most difference, and enables the system to respond more quickly and effectively on the ground.

The report authors claim that to officially reach Bovine TB-Free status by 2038, we need a step change in pace, clearer direction, and shared ownership between government, farmers, vets and industry. Doing more of the same will not be enough.

Speakers included:

Dr Ele Brown, DEFRA Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, DEFRA

Ed Simmons, British Cattle Veterinary Association

John Cross, Livestock farmer and Chair of Bovine TB Partnership (and strategy team)

Prof Rosie Woodroffe, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Zoology (IoZ), ZSL (Zoological Society of London)

Prof James Wood, Alborada Professor of Equine and Farm Animal Science, University of Cambridge