An “all-encompassing” scheme to tackle bovine TB has been welcomed by the Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, Russell George.
The refreshed approach includes additional measures, which will form part of the Welsh Government’s bovine TB eradication programme in Wales, such as the establishment of Low, Intermediate and High TB Areas in Wales from October 1st this year.
The scheme will also begin targeted badger removal in herds with persistent TB breakdowns in the High TB area.
Mr George has long called for decisive action from the Welsh Government to tackle the disease while ensuring that any TB eradication scheme minimises any extra red tape on the farming community.
Mr George said:
“Bovine TB has a devastating impact on Welsh farming and I want to see the Welsh Government use all of the tools at its disposal to eradicate this disease once and for all.
“I am therefore pleased that the Welsh Government is finally taking the steps, which I and my colleagues have been calling for, to remove this disease from the wildlife population as well as tackling the disease in cattle, but more needs to be done.
“However, I will be looking for guarantees that the change in approach won’t lead to additional regulations on farmers which would be hugely damaging to the industry. Additional pressure must not fall upon farmers, who have already suffered the effects of TB for too long.”