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Farm costs associated with premovement testing for bovine tuberculosis.
1Department of Agriculture and Food Economics, University of Reading, PO Box 237, Reading RG6 6AR. r.m.bennett@reading.ac.uk
The Veterinary Record
|January 20, 2009
Summary
Bovine tuberculosis (TB) premovement testing imposes significant costs on English cattle farmers, averaging £8.84 per animal. Many farmers find the testing burdensome and question its effectiveness in controlling TB.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Health Policy
Background:
- Bovine tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant concern in cattle populations.
- Premovement testing is a policy implemented to control the spread of TB.
- Understanding the economic impact on farmers is crucial for effective policy evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the financial costs incurred by cattle farmers in England for premovement TB testing.
- To assess farmers' perceptions of the economic burden and effectiveness of premovement testing.
Main Methods:
- A survey of sixty cattle farmers in England was conducted.
- Data on testing frequency, animals tested, and associated costs (labour, veterinary, other) were collected.
- Qualitative data on non-financial costs and policy perceptions were also gathered.
Main Results:
- Average total cost per animal tested was £8.84, with significant farm-to-farm variation (many exceeding £20).
- Farmers reported disruption and missed market opportunities as additional, often unquantified, costs.
- Over half of surveyed farmers perceived premovement testing as a cost burden and questioned its efficacy in TB control.
Conclusions:
- Premovement TB testing represents a substantial economic cost for cattle farmers in England.
- Current premovement testing policies may not align with farmer perceptions of cost-effectiveness for bovine TB control.
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