Animal Health Minister and Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw has launched a consultation on proposals for a new cattle compensation system.

The move supports the department's bid to introduce fairer arrangements for farmers and taxpayers. The proposed system, based on table valuations, would determine compensation for Bovine TB, Brucellosis, BSE and Enzootic Bovine Leukosis.

At present, the level of compensation for notifiable animal diseases is, to some extent, dependent on the nature of the disease and the disease status of the animal. It does not in all cases reflect the full market value. This has resulted in fragmented and inequitable compensation payments.

Under the new proposals, compensation would be equal to the animal's table valuation, which will be based on the animal's age, sex, pedigree status and sector.

The consultation, which runs until December 24, seeks comments on the proposed approach, and asks whether an advisory group on livestock valuations could play a useful role in helping the department ensure its valuation systems are effective and fair.

Mr Bradshaw said: "We need to take action to ensure we have a system that provides consistent and fair compensation for farmers, supports disease control measures, and protects the taxpayer."