During the visit, Mr Zeichner spoke to members whose businesses had been affected by the disease and discussed badger vaccination and a small-scale vaccination project that has been carried out in part of the county.
The role of a cattle vaccine as part of the strategy was also discussed, as was the importance of wildlife control as one of the elements to eradicate the disease.
Members presented evidence to the Minister showing significant reductions in TB since the impact of wildlife control has become evident.
Mr Zeichner reiterated both his, and the government鈥檚, commitment to eradicating the disease, saying they were determined to beat it and committed to making it a high priority.
Importance of science and evidence
Martin Howlett, chair of the Cornwall TB Eradication Group, told Mr Zeichner the group 鈥� which includes representatives from the veterinary profession, Animal and Plant Health Agency, wildlife groups and the Zoological Society of London 鈥� had been working together successfully for many years to find solutions to the disease for the county.
During the day鈥檚 discussions, the NFU raised the need for a wider range of tests for the disease to be integrated with TB control policy to give farmers more choice and to help manage risk.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: 鈥淚t was great to have Daniel Zeichner visit Cornwall and meet with people who all have a common goal 鈥� the eradication of bovine TB.
鈥淭he government have said they are committed to eradicating bTB and I stressed the importance of science and evidence driving the policy, rather than politics.
鈥淚t was a hugely worthwhile trip and members were very thankful for the Minister鈥檚 time and genuine engagement on this issue.鈥�
鈥�The government have said they are committed to eradicating bTB and I stressed the importance of science and evidence driving the policy, rather than politics.鈥�
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
Photograph: Farming Minster Daniel Zeichner and NFU representatives at the meeting in Cornwall
