THE TB problem is coming on farmers like an express train, warned members of Okehampton and Hatherleigh National Farmers Union and West Devon MP John Burnett when they met with DEFRA minister Elliot Morley at Westminster last Wednesday.
The NFU delegation, which included chairman Paul Griffith, former chairman James McInnes and secretary Simon Whattler, were concerned about the delay in trials to discover if there is a link between TB in badgers and cattle and the restrictions on farms which have not been identified as TB clear.
Mr Burnett said unless the Government acted proactively there was going to be another body blow for agriculture.
'Proper testing trials have been in limbo since the foot and mouth crisis started in February,' he said. 'TB is particularly bad in Devon and we need the conclusion of these trials brought forward from January 2004 which is the date we have been given.'
Mr Morley promised to review the situation and look into three particular areas of assistance for farms that have not been identified as TB clear. They are:
l To provide a team of people who can help vets with TB testing.
l To provide a special licensed premises (fattening centre) where store cattle and calves can be sold on.
l To examine the possibility of allowing cattle that cannot be moved into the foot and mouth cull welfare scheme.
NFU branch chairman Paul Griffith said because the testing had been put on hold farmers were in a situation where they had to find space for animals they would not normally have.
'For many people they have suddenly got relief from foot and mouth and then they find themselves under TB restrictions,' he said.
'Whilst Mr Morley did not send us home with an open cheque he seemed generally concerned with this problem and there was a sense of urgency in his voice.'