A new centre described as a "real game changer" in the fight against bovine TB in Wales is set to open up later in the year.
The new Centre of Excellence for bovine tuberculosis for Wales will open at Aberystwyth University, bringing together international expertise with the aim of eradicating the cattle disease.
Bovine TB is the most pressing animal health challenge for Wales today. It’s had a devastating impact on the national cattle herd and the farming community, while being a significant burden on public finances.
The announcement was made by Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, at Senedd in Cardiff Bay.
“The Centre of Excellence could be a real ‘game changer’ in the fight against bovine TB and is part of our long-term aim of eradicating the disease for good,” she said.
The new centre represents an investment of £3.6m and will be led by Professor Glyn Hewinson, a world-renowned expert on Bovine Tuberculosis.
Professor Hewinson is currently Lead Scientist for Bovine TB at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and has led research into the disease for more than 20 years.
'Pioneer'
The centre is backed by Sêr Cymru II, a programme aimed at growing and developing academic research expertise in Wales.
It is funded by Welsh Government, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, participating Welsh Higher Education institutions and the European Regional Development Fund.
Dr Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales added: “Professor Hewinson is a pioneer in the field of research into Bovine TB and will bring with him world-class expertise and leadership. He is held in the highest regard among his peers internationally and his appointment is a real statement of intent in our determination to tackle this disease.”
Based within the University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), the new Centre of Excellence will be a hub for national and international research into Bovine TB.
The programme also aims to commercialise the products it develops, collaborating with industry on products such as new diagnostic tests and vaccines.
Bovine TB has a significant financial and social impact on farm businesses and the wider rural community. The cost of fighting the disease is estimated to cost around £26m a year in Wales alone, through the TB control programme and compensation to keepers whose animals are slaughtered.
