Bovine TB figures for Wales fall again
New statistics released by Defra have revealed that the level of Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) in cattle in Wales has fallen by 18 per cent in the previous 12 months.
The figures also show a 31 per cent decline in the number of cattle slaughtered in Wales as a result of bovine TB in the previous year.
The news of the fall has been welcomed by deputy minister of agriculture, Rebecca Evans.
Speaking about the figures, Rebecca said: “Bovine TB continues to be one of the biggest problems facing the farming industry in Wales. It is a devastating disease and one that as a Government we are working hard to eradicate.
“Whilst we know that disease figures can fluctuate from month to month, these latest statistics continue to indicate a downward trend for bovine TB in Wales and this is very encouraging news.
“Our comprehensive TB eradication programme which has now been in place for over five years is based on solid evidence, and includes annual testing of cattle, strict biosecurity measures and movement control.
“However we know that eradicating TB requires hard work, sustained effort over many years and a high level of co-operation between Government and the industry.
“While we know there is much more to do to eradicate this disease from Wales, these statistics do show that we are moving in the right direction and that our hard work is starting to make a difference to the disease picture in Wales."
The figures also highlight that for the February to May period, new incidents of the disease were at their lowest level since 2008.
The statistics are available to download at: www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/343229/bovinetb-statsnotice-13aug14.pdf
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
