68,000 TB-infected cows slaughtered since 2008 in Wales

The annual TB statistics for 2015 starkly highlight the need for the next Welsh Government to put the implementation of a comprehensive TB eradication strategy at the top of its agenda.

Figures released this week show that in 2015, 8,103 cattle were slaughtered as a result of bovine TB - a massive hike of 27% on 2014 figures when 6,378 cattle were slaughtered in Wales.

The number of new herd incidents in 2015 and herds not free of the disease at the end of the year remained relatively static compared to 2014 figures.

Stephen James, NFU Cymru President said: “Since 2008 over 68,000 cattle in Wales have been slaughtered because of this disease, this is despite the fact that Welsh farmers have adhered to stringent cattle movement and testing controls.

“This disease continues to cause untold heartache and stress to cattle farmers across Wales and places an enormous emotional and financial strain on farming families.

“Whilst we recognise that the bovine TB picture is more complex than just looking at one statistic, these figures should make politicians from all parties in Wales sit up and take notice of the impact that bovine TB continues to have on cattle farmers in Wales.

“The new Government, following the May National Assembly elections, must come forward and be prepared to work with industry on a comprehensive plan of action that tackles this disease in both the cattle and wildlife populations.”

“Cattle movement controls, cattle testing and biosecurity all have a vital role to play in a TB eradication plan, but experience from across the globe has shown that a genuine TB eradication plan must also include a strategy for dealing with the disease reservoir in wildlife in areas where it is endemic.

“The fact that there is a global shortage of BCG vaccine means that no politician or party can hide behind badger vaccination as their sole policy for dealing with the disease in wildlife.”

Stephen James concluded: “Ahead of National Assembly for Wales elections this May we have asked all parties to clearly set out their policy for dealing with the reservoir of infection in our wildlife populations.

“Our manifesto for the elections places a TB eradication strategy that removes disease from cattle and wildlife as a key priority in helping us to achieve our vision of a productive, profitable and progressive Welsh agricultural industry.

“We will be looking for the new Government to take action as a matter of urgency.”