The bovine TB project in Pembrokeshire, to explore how a
partnership approach can tackle the disease, has begun following
the awarding of the contract for its delivery, Rural Affairs
Minister has announced.
The Pembrokeshire Project is part of the five-year bovine TB
Delivery Plan which was published in March.
It will work to tackle deep-seated levels of infection in parts
of Pembrokeshire, where TB incidence and prevalence have worsened
against the overall improving national backdrop.
The project aims to facilitate collaborative working between vets
and farmers and empowers local informed decision making and
leadership in disease control.
The tender process has been completed and the contract has been
awarded to a project group led by Iechyd Da (Gwledig) Ltd. Work
is now underway to deliver the project with further details to
follow.
Ahead of this week’s Pembrokeshire Show the Minister for Rural
Affairs said: “We are very aware
of the challenge of TB in cattle, and the distress it causes for
farmers. This is why we are determined to eradicate bovine TB in
Wales as set out in our Delivery Plan, published earlier this
year.
“We have made steady progress since 2009, with fewer affected
herds and new incidents, but we know there have been challenging
levels of infection in Pembrokeshire.
“I have always said we cannot do this alone, and partnership
working with our farmers and vets is crucial to reach our shared
goal of a TB-free Wales. I look forward to seeing the results of
the Project and am hopeful it will have a positive impact here
and lessons can be learned for the rest of Wales.”
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Richard Irvine said: “The Project
will work with a small sample of farms in Pembrokeshire, with the
purpose of empowering vets and farmers to make informed decisions
and show leadership in disease control.
“It will develop and implement additional approaches to bovine TB
control, over and above the statutory measures currently used in
the area.
“The project will focus on identifying residual disease risk in
clear testing cattle and develop a pathway for reducing
cattle-to-cattle transmission. This will include identification
and management of high-risk animals to slaughter and veterinary
oversight of biosecurity practices.
“I’m pleased to see this new industry-led project now underway,
which is an exciting example of partnership working.”
