Representatives from across the livestock sector are being invited to attend a TB Advisory Service (TBAS) conference, to hear a panel of experts reflect on the past 10 years of the TB Eradication Scheme for England and look forward to what the next 15 years may bring.
The conference, entitled ‘A collaborative approach towards a TB free future’ is taking place on 29 November, at Sixways Stadium in Worcester. The conference will be supported by Defra, the bTB Partnership and the main sponsor IDEXX.
Sarah Tomlinson, technical director at TBAS – which offers livestock farmers in England free biosecurity advice to protect their animals from bovine tuberculosis – is delighted to share news of the event.
“This is a unique opportunity to bring together all those involved in TB control, working towards a collaborative approach.”
“Our aim for the conference is to discuss the question ‘Is TB freedom really a possibility by 2038?’ through a series of discussion panels as well as Q & A sessions,” she says.
Guest speakers include Lord Benyon, Defra Minister of State, and Jude McCann from the Farming Community Network (FCN) who is undertaking research to understand the impact of TB on UK farmers’ health and wellbeing.
Panel sessions will also be held with stakeholders including representatives from the bTB Partnership, Defra, BCVA and NFU as well as vets, dairy farmers and TBAS advisers.
“Because TBAS is a trusted brand, giving bespoke TB advice to farmers, we feel we open up honest conversation about how we can all help to produce the TB free future we all want,” explains Mrs Tomlinson.
“We’re trying to reduce the risk of TB breakdowns on farm by helping implement certain measures, but we need everyone connected to farming to work together to be able to put an end to TB outbreaks.”
What is TBAS?
TBAS is in its sixth year and is a Defra funded project that offers free, bespoke, practical, and cost-effective advice to all eligible farmers in England, helping reduce the risks associated with TB.
TBAS is delivered by Farmcare Solutions Limited, a joint venture between VetPartners Limited, Obligace Limited, Independent Vetcare Limited (IVC) and UK Farmcare Limited.
The project represents over 488 veterinary practices, 6,500 veterinary surgeons and 42 veterinary technicians in England, providing farm animal veterinary services to 60% of all cattle holdings in England.
Project management and practical delivery of the service is provided by Kingshay, part of the VetPartners group, and UK Farmcare Ltd. To date, TBAS has trained over 300 advisers across the country to deliver on farm advice to farmers. Over 1,200 farms have benefitted from the service within the current project term.
For further information, to find out about opportunities to lead sessions or sponsor the event, please contact the Kingshay office on 01458 851555 or email admin@tbas.org.uk