AHDB's response to the Godfray bovine TB evidence review update 2025

On 4 September, Defra published the Godfray bTB evidence review. Led by Sir Charles Godfray, the report is an update to the summary and conclusions published in 2018 and will inform the new bovine TB strategy for England. Here AHDB Lead Veterinary Science Expert Sarah Tomlinson gives her view on the report’s findings.

At AHDB we welcome the publication of the updated Godfray review on bovine tuberculosis (bTB). This comprehensive and evidence-based report reinforces many of the principles I have long advocated for in tackling this complex and persistent disease.

AHDB supports the call for greater urgency in tackling bTB. We believe the 2038 target, which farmers have already made great strides to achieve, can remain on track and rid farmers of the terrible burden this disease presents.

Having worked for many years as a farm vet, seeing first-hand the devastating impact a positive bTB test can have on farmers and their livelihoods, I welcome the report’s recognition of the mental health impact on farmers and the need for better recognition, support and training for farmers and those that interact directly with farmers.

In particular, I am pleased to see a focus on farmer empowerment and the co-ownership of disease control as well as the need for joined-up governance and communication. The suggestion that farmers should be allowed to use bTB tests, including serological testing, to manage bTB risk while maintaining a sustainable business will be revolutionary.

Positive animals not requiring immediate removal nor triggering whole herd movement restrictions would allow farmers to manage out these infected animals, for example at the end of a lactation. Current rules mean the impact of positive test, movement restriction and entering the gruelling repeated skin testing regime are big disincentives for farmers to volunteer engaging in extra, more sensitive testing.

The report highlights the need for access to farm-level bTB test data and a robust cattle-tracing system are fundamental to empowering farmers and their private vets to manage recurrence of disease and the risk of trading bTB-infected cattle.

I was also pleased to see the report identify the importance of effective biosecurity and risk-based trading, areas where AHDB continues to provide guidance and support through the TBhub, which links to the ibTB interactive TB map. This was updated only yesterday to share individual animal-level data, which supports informed purchasing decisions.

AHDB remains committed to supporting the industry through evidence-led advice, collaboration and innovation. We are keen to work with Defra, APHA and industry partners to take forward the recommendations and accelerate progress towards a TB-free future.