BCVA's updated bovine TB statement calls for more flexible testing and puts mental health at the centre of disease control.
The British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) has published a revised policy statement on bovine tuberculosis, updating its 2021 position to reflect scientific and strategic developments over the past few years.
The document sets out seven priority areas: vaccination, diagnostics, wildlife management, cattle movement and the mental health of vets and farmers.
Ed Simmons, chair of the BCVA TB Working Group, said progress on the disease was being made, but not without cost to those affected.
"A licensed cattle TB vaccine is closer than it has ever been, and that is a welcome tool we called for in the original BCVA Policy," he said. "The BATVA programme means cattle vets are better placed than ever to lead on disease control, not just carry out testing. But progress on bTB comes alongside real, ongoing hardship for all those who feel its impact. The mental health toll on farmers – and vets - is serious and persistent. Protecting their wellbeing matters in its own right, alongside controlling this disease. So I am delighted to have been able to collaborate with Vetlife and FCN to create When TB Hits – a practical and useful resource to support vets and farmers."
Vaccine nearing authorisation
The cattle BCG vaccine is currently being submitted for marketing authorisation. Field trials of the accompanying DIVA test, which differentiates infected from vaccinated animals, are in Phase 3 and due to complete in 2026. The revised policy moves beyond treating vaccination as a future aspiration, and the BCVA is calling for rollout to begin as soon as possible.
More flexible testing
The association has endorsed the risk-based retention of animals that test positive on antibody tests such as ELISA and Enferplex, under herd management plans, rather than automatic slaughter. The position reflects the Godfray 2025 evidence update, which pointed to a need for greater flexibility in interpreting test results.
Training targets
The BCVA aims to achieve annual growth in BCVA Accredited TB Veterinary Adviser (BATVA) qualifications through to 2028. The policy also proposes that all Official Veterinarians complete BATVA training as part of their OV accreditation, and that access be extended to approved tuberculin testers.
Deer identified as emerging reservoir
For the first time, the policy names wild deer as a formal area of concern. The BCVA is urging Defra to set up coordinated deer TB surveillance pilots by 2027, with annual reporting, and the policy supports risk modelling.
Badger policy
The BCVA accepts the government's shift towards badger vaccination as the primary wildlife control tool, but says culling should remain an option, subject to regular review, where local epidemiological evidence justifies it. It also supports continuing the Test-Vaccinate-Remove (TVR) programme where appropriate.
Risk data at point of sale
The association is calling for the Livestock Information System to generate real-time risk flags for animals and holdings, integrated into markets and practice veterinary software decision-making tools by 2027. Farm-level risk scores, it says, should be readily available to inform purchasing decisions.
Mental health
The policy explicitly addresses the mental health burden of TB on vets and farmers. As a direct result, the BCVA worked with Vetlife and the Farming Community Network (FCN) to produce When TB Hits, a practical support resource for both professions.
The guide recognises that a TB breakdown is among the hardest experiences a farming family can face, and one of the most difficult conversations a vet can have. For vets, it offers advice on handling a TB disclosure, including what to say, what to avoid and how to follow up. For farmers, it explains what to expect during a breakdown and where to turn when the pressure becomes too great, with details of confidential support from FCN, Vetlife and other organisations.
When TB Hits will be launched at BCVA Congress in Telford in 2026.
