Engaging with Defra on the new bovine TB strategy

Over the last few months, the RSPCA’s farm animals department (FAD) has been engaging with Defra on the new bovine TB (bTB) strategy.

The RSPCA’s welfare standards for beef and dairy cattle have a focus on bTB and its prevention, with herd-specific bTB plans. During our talks with Defra, we promoted these plans as an important tool to help farmers manage and reduce disease risk.

We’re looking forward to seeing the outcomes of this co-design process. While it isn’t yet clear when the final bTB strategy will be released, we’re following its development closely to ensure that higher welfare practices are at the heart of decision-making.