§ Baroness Crawleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What were the results of the pilot study commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on tuberculosis in cattle. [HL1863]
§ Lord DonoughueFollowing the Krebs report it is clear that TB in cattle is a complex problem with a multiplicity of causes. A wildlife reservoir is a significant factor, but we need to be clear why it is that some farms suffer TB incidents while others in the same vicinity do not.
66WAIn order to focus our efforts on understanding these processes, and to illuminate the detailed differences between farms, we are now launching the epidemiological investigation which was piloted on a small number of farms last November.
A new database will be compiled from information collected from all farms which have suffered TB incidents, and from a number of other farms. The pilot study has proved invaluable in enabling us to streamline the collection of this information. The public consultation held at the same time has produced a number of extremely helpful suggestions which we have also been able to take on board. Copies of the new questionnaire (form TB99) have been placed in the Library.
As soon as there are enough entries in the database we shall start to analyse the information to try to identify those factors which, either individually or in combination, are associated with TB incidents. Information on cattle movements, husbandry and farm management practices, wildlife on farms and the local environment will be analysed alongside other data, for example on local weather conditions and patterns of badger activity. The results will be used to develop new control strategies and will feed through into improved guidance for farmers.