Bovine TB in the South West is still prevalent according to the latest figures from Defra.

The statistics for April of this year, show there are currently over two and half thousand herds under restriction in an area which stretches from Gloucestershire to the Scilly Isles.

Devon proved to be the county worst hit with 797 herds declared ‘not officially TB free, though in March the county reached the highest number of restricted herds in nearly two years with 819 herds closed down.

In Cornwall the figure was 427 herds and Somerset 263 affected herds, the highest number for nearly two years. Dorset had 122 herds which had failed TB tests, which is down from 131 herds in January 2014. In the South West, new herd incidents totalled 227

Industry stakeholders, including the NFU, support the Government's comprehensive 25-year bovine TB eradication strategy published in April 2014. But in addition, they are seeking other ways to strengthen how bovine TB and other cattle diseases is tackled.

National Farmers' Union deputy president Minette Batters. who is a South West beef farmer is set to meet Environment Secretary Liz Truss to discuss the creation of a new bovine TB eradication board. The idea is being supported by both farmers and vets and would consist of qualified representatives from the farming and veterinary professions as well as from the government. The board would have strategic leadership, communication and technical capability as well as being responsible for delivery of services.

Ms Batters said; "It is the political commitment that we need ultimately. We have a world-leading dairy and livestock industry and we have got to protect it from this devastating disease."

The NFU is also calling for a TB advisory service to be established nationwide as part of the Rural Development Programme to help and support farmers on dealing with the disease including how to remain disease free, or how to cope when TB is confirmed on their farm.

Farmers in the region are angry that a promised roll-out of the badger cull has yet to be set in motion. Pilot culling in Somerset and Gloucestershire is due to start again in the autumn. Dorset is the next county on the Government’s list while Cornwall and Devon are also prepared.