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Concern over Bovine TB figures

A farming union claims figures showing a 15% rise in the number of cattle in Wales slaughtered due to bovine TB indicates the disease is "out of control".

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Welsh Government: 'no quick fix to tackle Bovine TB'

These figures are disappointing but do still reflect a significant reduction against the 2008/2009 peak in the number of cattle slaughtered in Wales as a result of bovine TB.

We remain committed to tackling Bovine TB given its impact on farmers and rural communities. However we know there is no quick fix to tackling this disease. It demands a sustainable and long term approach that includes a range of different measures including strict biosecurity controls and cattle movement restrictions

We are continuing with our comprehensive bovine TB eradication programme, which tackles all sources of infection. This includes annual TB testing of cattle, removal and slaughter of reactors, pre-movement testing of cattle and our five year badger vaccination programme.

Continued co-operation between government and industry is vital to the overall success of the eradication programme and we will continue to work closely with our partners to drive down the incidence of this terrible disease.

– Welsh Government spokesperson

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Farming union: 'Bovine TB in Wales is out of control'

In 2012, 9,307 cattle were slaughtered in Wales due to being infected with Bovine TB Credit: ITV News

Farmers' union NFU Cymru claims figures showing a 15% rise in the number of cattle in Wales slaughtered due to bovine TB indicates the disease is "out of control"

It follows nationwide figures published by Defra.

"This has to bea wakeup call to Welsh Government and highlights the urgent to implement a science led policy of badger control in endemic areas of the country rather than the Welsh Government’s vaccination policy" said Stephen James, NFU Cymru deputy president.

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