The Farmers’ Union of Wales has expressed concern that the level of bovine TB in Wales has risen over the last 12 months, despite the introduction of further cattle control measures in October last year.

Recent data from Defra has shown an increase in both the number of New Herd Incidents and the number of cattle slaughtered in Wales.

Ian Lloyd, FUW Animal Health and Welfare Committee Chairman, said: “Recent data has shown that in the 12 months to May 2018 there was a 4 percent increase in the number of New Herd Incidents and a 2 percent increase in the number of cattle slaughtered in Wales due to bovine TB.”  

More than 10,000 cattle in Wales were slaughtered due to bovine TB control between May 2017 and May 2018.  

Latest TB Dashboard data also shows that the number of TB free herds fell from 95.3 percent in quarter 3 of 2016 to 94.6 percent in the same quarter of 2017.

“Losing TB-free status is devastating to farming families and the restrictions imposed on breakdown farms can significantly hinder the ability of the business to operate.  

The Anglesey branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a busy county show (Tuesday August 14 – Wednesday August 15) held at the Mona Showground, and extend a warm welcome to everyone.

FUW Anglesey CEO Alaw Jones said: “We are looking forward to a jam-packed county show where we will be discussing #FarmingMatters and #FairFarmFunding with our members and elected politicians. I hope many of you can join us for what promises to be an excellent show.”

FUW Pembrokeshire CEO Rebecca Voyle said: “We are looking forward to a busy county show where we will be discussing #FarmingMatters and #FairFarmFunding with our members and elected politicians. I hope many of you can join us for what promises to be another excellent show.”

The Meirionnydd branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a busy day at the County Show (Wednesday, 22 August), which will be held at the Rhug Estate in Corwen.

Past Director of Public Relations for the FUW and past Editor of Y Tir, Mr Gwilym Thomas, passed away on July 24. 

Gwilym worked for the FUW for 38 years, retiring during April 2002. Gwilym started his career in journalism as sports editor at the Welsh Gazette. He subsequently became chief reporter and sports editor at the Cambrian News before becoming a freelance reporter, covering major stories for the Western Mail, Daily Express and the Sunday Mirror, amongst others, before joining the FUW during 1964.