Montgomeryshire AM backs Bovine TB Action

Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Mick Bates AM, has welcomed progress to eradicate Bovine TB in Wales following the Minister for Rural Affairs’ decision to proceed with the Tuberculosis Eradication (Wales) Order 2009.

The order will give the Welsh Assembly Government the power to pursue badger control strategies alongside cattle measures and is part of the ‘One Wales’ commitment to pursue a programme of Bovine TB eradication in Wales.

Montgomeryshire AM Mr Bates said: "There has been significant progress made to eradicate Bovine TB over the past year and I welcome this Order which is another crucial step forward to rid cattle and wildlife of this horrific disease.

"Already this year over 8,000 cattle have been slaughtered due to TB and the taxpayer could face costs of £80million by 2014 in compensation unless we stop the spread of this disease.

"It is interesting that of all responses received to the consultation, 54% came from Wales and 85% of those agreed that culling was needed as part of a combined strategy. The majority of respondents that disagreed with a cull were from outside of Wales or even outside of the UK.

"It is clear that many people in Wales recognise the devastating impact that TB is having on wildlife and cattle across the country and want to see this disease eradicated for once and for all so that animals are no longer suffering."

Photograph: Daniel Schwen Gnu license.