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."