The Farmers’ Union of Wales has today congratulated Ceredigion County Council for joining the Union it in its efforts to eradicate Bovine TB from Wales.
In light of the complete breakdown of the inadequate current non-scientific vaccination programme the Council considered a motion that called on the Welsh Government and all political parties to support and implement a programme of targeted badger culling.
This has been a long standing demand of the Farmers’ Union of Wales: “On average over 150 cattle a week, many perfectly healthy, are destroyed every week in Wales as a result of a weak-willed effort to eradicate Bovine TB” said Alan Davies, Managing Director of the Farmers’ Union of Wales.
“The pressures under which our members and many other farmers operate as a result of many failed Bovine TB interventions, generate enormous strain on families and communities. This has to stop and the only sensible way forward is to adopt a proactive programme of Badger control. That means culling”
Political parties may find it difficult to respond positively to this demand as the emotive language of culling jeopardises political support. “That is totally unacceptable as a response: livelihoods are at risk, physical and mental health is challenged and families suffer incredibly when dealing with an outbreak of TB. We must therefore stop protecting badgers and institute positive, proactive controls to reduce the badger population significantly.”