The NFU Cymru TB Focus Group met virtually with Lesley Griffiths MS on Wednesday 12 October to discuss the detailed findings of the group’s report on bovine TB in Wales and its impact on Welsh farming.
Recommendations
Areas of recommendation in the report that were discussed during the meeting included:
- Testing
- Communication
- Biosecurity
- Alternative routes for finishing or selling cattle under bTB restrictions.
While data suggests that the number of animals slaughtered due to bovine TB has reduced by nearly 16% in the last 12 months, this still accounts for over 9,700 animals and bTB continues to spread into new areas. There were also 648 new herd incidents over the same period, accounting for a 2% increase on the previous 12 months.
Read the latest statistics
Commitment
NFU Cymru used its meeting with the Minister to reiterate the industry’s commitment to playing its part in eradicating Wales of this disease. The union also stressed that active removal of disease across all vectors is critical to a successful bovine TB eradication strategy.
NFU Cymru TB Focus Group Chairman Roger Lewis said: “We were pleased to meet with the Minister and deliver these important messages on bovine TB, which continues to impact so many farmers and their families across Wales.
Practical improvements
“During the meeting with the Minister, the NFU Cymru TB Focus Group was able to offer its suggestions for practical improvements that could be made to improve communication between farmers, vets, APHA and Welsh Government. Clearer and more concise communications will help build understanding and engagement, all of which is key to tackling the disease.
“NFU Cymru was pleased to hear that the Minister wants to work in partnership with industry. Ahead of Welsh Government publishing its refreshed bTB programme later this year, we once again encouraged the Minister to ensure that policy is accountable to industry – the vets and farmers tasked with delivering it.
'Status quo cannot continue'
“The focus group is of the opinion that the status quo cannot continue and as farmers we are committed to playing our part in eradicating this disease from our herds and countryside. However, if we are to be successful the approach to eradication must be comprehensive and today, we once again stressed to the Minister the need to control disease wherever it exists.
“Finally, we must remember that behind every bTB statistic there is a farming family impacted by this disease. The impact a bTB breakdown has on the mental health and well-being of farmers, vets and everyone else associated cannot be overstated. We owe it to them to get this policy right.
“We look forward to welcoming the Minister on farm to see for herself the significant impact of this disease on animals, farmers and businesses.”