New report shows “devastating” human cost of bovine TB
27th January 2025
Farmers reported fear, depression, sleepless nights and persistent anger, as well as a deep sense of loss of control.
A new report commissioned by the Farming Community Network explores the serious impact of bovine TB on farmers’ health and wellbeing.
This includes significant financial costs, mental illness, physical injuries and damage to overall wellbeing.
The report features contributions from more than 450 farmers across the UK who were surveyed throughout 2023/24.
Mental health and business impacts
One of the key findings was that many farmers believe the impact of the long-term physical, emotional and financial impact of bTB outweighs having to deal with the shorter-term impact of a disease outbreak.
The health symptoms reported by farmers range from fear and depression, sleepless nights and persistent anger, to a deep sense of loss of control over their personal lives and their farm business.
Many farmers also said the health impacts are generated more by anticipation of statutory testing and the fear of an outbreak, than by the disease itself.
One farmer in England who responded to the survey said: “Horrific interest rates eroded our ability to survive, yet that still pales with the loss of our beautiful cows.”
READ MORE: Farmers invited to take part in free wellbeing programme
READ MORE: Blue Monday: Farmers should seek help when struggling with mental health
For many farmers the impact of bTB puts a hold on business expansion and long-term development plans.
The report concluded that bTB can contribute to farmers becoming disengaged from the statutory policies designed to manage and eliminate the disease.
However, it highlighted the often positive relationship between farmers and vets, with both commonly stating that they enjoy a high level of mutual friendship and respect.
It recommends exploring the development of an agency, independent of government, for the management of TB in the UK agricultural sector.
Greater collaboration needed
FCN CEO Dr Jude McCann said: “Throughout this research, UK farmers have shared their personal experiences of bTB and the devastating impacts on their health, wellbeing and financial security.
“bTB is a factor in many cases presenting to FCN and continues to cause our farming community a significant amount of stress and uncertainty.
“We hope the findings and recommendations of this report will help to raise awareness of the human impacts of bTB and ensure that farmers’ health and wellbeing remains at the heart of decision-making.
“We also hope to see greater UK-wide collaboration across agencies, organisations and farm businesses, working together to eradicate bTB.”
FCN worked with Assoc. Prof. Willie Smith (formerly of the Science Council of Canada and of the University of Auckland, New Zealand), and listened to representatives including government officials, rural community leaders, bankers, and clergy.
The full report, ‘Finding the Box-Top: Addressing the human cost of bTB’, is available on FCN’s website: https://fcn.org.uk/research/
FCN can be contacted in confidence on 03000 111 999 or help@fcn.org.uk, 7am-11pm, 365 days of the year.
Read more rural news.
