The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has again been left frustrated following the statement made by the Minister for Rural Affairs on 16th November regarding a TB Eradication Programme.
The Minister announced a 12 week consultation, ‘A Refreshed TB Eradication Programme’ that outlines future policy proposals by the Welsh Government in tackling the disease in Welsh cattle.
With the incidences of TB increasing in the Low TB Areas of Wales, it is frustrating that the only response the Welsh Government has to tackle this issue is with increasing cattle controls and with greater testing burdens being placed upon hard-working farming families.
There is increasing concern about the mental health and well-being of farmers and this latest statement will do little to alleviate the emotional and financial strains.
It is disappointing to see yet another consultation reviewing payments for cattle compulsorily purchased due to TB. The FUW has made its views on this matter clear; no farmer should be over or under compensated for such cattle.
Whilst the FUW recognises that rapid, accurate and early identification of disease is a key component of a disease eradication programme, it is disappointing that the programme aims to simultaneously 'strengthen TB controls' whilst phasing out the badger trap and test work in persistent breakdown herds’.
The FUW maintains that a holistic approach to TB is needed in order to stamp out all sources of infection. This latest statement continues to chase the disease whilst stepping down efforts to address a significant contributor to the spread of infection.
As TB vaccine trials continue in England, it is important to be realistic in the expectation on the effects of a vaccine with regards to disease control. With a workable vaccine and delivery strategy potentially being many years away, the current war on TB must use all available methods in achieving real positive results now.