NFU Cymru Highlights Magnitude of bTB problem in Wales

Confirmation by the Minister for Rural Affairs today that the incidence of bovine TB in Wales rose by 44% in the first five months of this year will be received with acute dismay by all those that have a genuine concern for the welfare of cattle and wildlife, including NFU Cymru.

Dai Davies, President of NFU Cymru said, "The figures released highlight the magnitude of the problem the industry is having to struggle with and whilst the Minister appears to recognise the need to act swiftly to turn the tide on the spread of this dreadful disease it is evident that the situation is continuing to deteriorate and the application of an integrated package of measures is desperately needed."

Mr Davies continued, "The industry has already committed to a collaborative approach involving farmers, vets and the Assembly Government, provided there was a holistic approach to eradication and with all aspects of the eradication programme being simultaneously progressed. Farmers will be terribly disappointed to see that yet again measures to tackle the disease in cattle were being stepped up and implemented whilst the strategy for dealing with the reservoir of infection in wildlife was not moving forward in parallel. A decision on the intensive action pilot area is unlikely to be made until the New Year.

"Of course I understand that the Assembly Government has to dot the Is and cross the Ts and undertake ecological reviews, epidemiological assessments and consider the ethical and practical implications, but I wish that the efforts and resources could be redoubled in these spheres so that tangible action is being taken to deal with the disease in wildlife and cattle at the same time. Anything short of this concerted and co-ordinated approach will not achieve the goal of bovine TB eradication."

Mr Davies concluded, "The TB health check, the commitment for specific removal of reactors and the establishment of regional TB Eradication Delivery Boards were all important facets of the co-ordinated approach but a key element needed for dealing with the epidemic in the round remained to be determined."