NFU Cymru supports proposed draft Badger Order

NFU Cymru has today fully backed the Welsh Assembly Government’s proposed draft Badger (Control Area) (Wales) Order 2010, describing it as a strategy that is centred on the eradication of bovine TB, not on the eradication of badgers.

Earlier this year a judgement made by the Court of Appeal delayed the comprehensive eradication programme however NFU Cymru believes that the new proposal will put bovine TB eradication in Wales firmly back on track.

Stephen James, NFU Cymru Deputy President, said, "Let us be clear, this proposed programme is about eradicating the disease not eradicating badgers but to achieve our goal of healthy cattle and healthy wildlife we must be able to tackle the disease in both populations."

"A managed cull of badgers alongside the stringent cattle control and biosecurity measures already in place is the only method backed up by proven science and practical implementation that can bring about a substantial reduction in the incidence of bovine TB in the Intensive Action Area."

In its response NFU Cymru stressed that farmers, more than anyone, dearly wish for a vaccine that could be used as part of a range of measures to help rid the disease from the countryside but vaccination is not a viable option in the Intensive Action Area.

Mr James said, "Vaccination is used to prevent and not cure disease, we know that in the intensive action area a significant percentage of badgers are infected and until this infection is removed, even if a proven vaccine was available, its impact would be extremely limited in an area where the disease is rife.

"NFU Cymru welcomes the Minister’s commitment to set up a working group to develop a vaccination policy for Wales; however the facts are that we remain some time away from being in a position where vaccination can genuinely be considered as part of a TB eradication strategy for Wales.

"We agree that the Order should include the necessary powers to enable the eradication plan to be effectively carried out and enforced," Mr James said, "We hope and expect that all those who care about the health and welfare of our countryside will support this strategy but the Welsh Assembly Government also need the powers to ensure the practical implementation of the eradication programme."

In conclusion Mr James said, "We now hope that this Order can be implemented as soon as is legislatively possible so that the Welsh Assembly Government will have the means to move forward with practical measures to rid both cattle and wildlife from this hideous disease which presently wreaks havoc within our cattle and wildlife."