Slow pace of jab a 'great failure of government'

A VACCINE against bovine TB would be a vital "insurance policy" for farmers if trials prove successful, said the owner of 500 cows.

- By Adam Toms

Paul Tompkins, 46, runs his farm in the Vale of York and is also chair of the NFU Dairy Board. His herd has been part of recent tests of the jab.

He said: "I vaccinate for a number of animal health reasons anyway. I can do it for everything from ringworm and pneumonia to other cattle-specific diseases. It's an insurance policy.

"The reality is that a poorly cow isn't as productive as a healthy cow. So everything I can do to keep the cows healthy is a good thing."

His farm is in a low-risk area for bovine TB, which costs the UK £100million a year.

But the third-generation landowner said dairy and beef farms across the country are "frustrated" that a vaccine is most likely years away from being rolled out.

It would ensure a better financial return for those whose herd has been infected.

Mr Tompkins called slow progress since 2002 "one of the greatest failings in government".

Many technicalities, such as acquiring the data to show what the efficacy of the jab is in a cow compared to a person - and establishing the difference between an infected animal and a vaccinated animal - still need to be solved.

Mr Tompkins said: "I just sometimes feel that the cattle vaccine is being offered as the Holy Grail of TB eradication - and I really hope it is - but we've got to be mindful.

"There is no scientific evidence that it is going to be as effective as that."

Bovine TB, which can jump species to humans, is often transmitted by badgers. Defra said: "The Government is determined to eradicate this devastating disease that destroys too many farming businesses.