Wales is making headway in its TB Eradication Programme through a
strengthened partnership approach that is delivering positive
changes in government policy for farmers while tackling the
disease.
Ahead of his update to Senedd Members this afternoon, Deputy
First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural
Affairs, , said: "Our partnership approach with the
Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and Programme Board is delivering
real changes that help both tackle the disease and support
farmers through difficult times.
“I've seen first-hand the distress TB causes farming families and
businesses and I'm keen we take steps to address it.”
Reviewing the on-farm slaughter policy was the Technical Advisory
Group's (TAG's) first priority.
Feedback on the policy change has been positive with a number of
farmers choosing to delay slaughter of eligible cattle.
Since the introduction of the new policy a year ago, on-farm
slaughter has been avoided through agreed delayed removal of
approximately a quarter of the animals – 242, from 111 individual
herds –which would previously have been slaughtered on farm.
Further changes to TB policy will be announced today.
Following a request from industry and subsequent
advice from the TAG and Programme Board, there will be a change
in Inconclusive Reactor (IR) policies.
The Deputy First Minister continued: “Industry asked, and we have
listened.
“Evidence shows these resolved standard IR cattle are higher
risk than other cattle because a larger proportion of them
go on to become TB reactors at a later point.
“Currently this risks such resolved standard IR cattle with
undetected infection being moved and spreading TB to other
herds – a key concern raised by industry.
“Under new arrangements, these (resolved standard IR) cattle
will be restricted to their herd with only licenced movements
permitted direct to slaughter, or into an Approved Finishing
Unit. I anticipate this policy change will take effect from this
Autumn, and I hope it will be welcomed.”
A strong partnership approach is also strengthening TB control in
Pembrokeshire where vets and farmers are being empowered through
data provision and education to help control TB on their
farms.
Building on the principles and best practices established in
Pembrokeshire, a complementary initiative is now launching in the
lower TB incidence area of North Wales – with the aim of keeping
the disease out.
New members have also joined the TB Eradication Programme
Board.
A representative from the Farming Community Network (FCN),
creating a valuable connection between the programme and mental
health support services.
Additionally, a Young Farmers' Club Wales representative joins
the Board, acknowledging bovine TB's significance for new
entrants to farming and supporting sustainability and succession
planning.
Addressing the current TB picture in Wales, the Chief Veterinary
Officer, Richard Irvine, said: "TB has a devastating impact on
farming families dealing with the disease in their herds and we
recognise there is regional variation in the disease picture
across Wales.
“While we're seeing long-term decreases in new TB herd incidents
overall, the rise in cattle slaughtered during 2024 reflects
strategic use of the high-sensitivity gamma interferon blood test
alongside standard testing, to identify infected animals in
breakdown herds.
“Whilst this increases removal numbers, the aim is to reduce
infection rates and prevent recurring breakdowns. Our goal
remains clear: better detection now means less disease in the
future."
The Deputy First Minister added: “I would like to thank members
of both the Programme Board and TAG for their hard work and
dedication so far.
“I am confident we have the right skillset and experience amongst
both groups to provide the best possible advice to Government on
bovine TB which enables us to do things differently in
Wales.
“With governance arrangements now complete, I am committed
to accelerating action to help us meet our target of a TB Free
Wales by 2041.”
Notes to editors
Our Wales TB Eradication Programme Delivery Plan also outlines
our plans to eradicate TB in Wales by 2041: Wales Bovine TB
eradication programme: delivery plan 2023 |
GOV.WALES.
