LAST week the government announced its bovine TB eradication programme. For all us who have the interests of this country's animals at heart – whether farmed cattle or wildlife – this has to be a positive step forward.

It will be the only opportunity we have to be rid of this awful disease. We must therefore all work together to ensure our cattle and wildlife have the opportunity to lead healthy lives.

To date, farmers have done everything they have been asked by the government to manage bTB.

This includes regular testing, pre-movement testing and many other management practices. Despite this, between 1998 and 2008 the number of herds infected with bTB has increased from four per cent to 25 per cent. The figures still increase and Defra states that without further action bTB is expected to cost the taxpayer in excess of £1 billion over the next decade. The past 10 years have cost us all £500 million.

Nothing has been done to address the issue within the badger population which has increased out of all proportion since they became a protected species following the 1981 Wildlife Act.

And so next spring two pilot areas within the South West will be set up where badger numbers will be reduced. Members of the public must understand this will be a highly regulated operation undertaken by licensed and trained operatives following extensive surveys identifying the most effective areas to target. The cost will be borne by the livestock industry alone.

Current press and TV reports highlight the problems of food shortages as well as the rising cost of the weekly shop – both nationally and globally. Approximately 25,000 British cattle were slaughtered last year because they were infected with this disease.

Common sense dictates the grip this disease has on our lives today must be addressed – but in a responsible manner. I can assure you the farming industry is ready to do that for the sake of all concerned.

John Vanstone

Chairman, South West National Beef Association