Signal Bovine TB costs the UK government 70 million pounds a year

Summary

The report uses endemic disease to show that animal disease is a chronic burden as well as a source of acute outbreaks. Endemic diseases such as bovine tuberculosis cost the UK government 70 million pounds every year. This is presented alongside the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak, which cost more than 8 billion pounds in total, as evidence of the economic impact of animal disease. As a response, the report describes the 2023 Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, which funds farmers to improve biosecurity, manage endemic risks and eradicate bovine tuberculosis. The report expects fewer diseased animals to make livestock production more efficient and to improve animal welfare, trade reputation and food security.