UK TB eradication plan approved
The European Commission (EC) has approved the UK TB eradication plan for 2015, which includes the approach being taken forward to eradicate TB in Wales.
This is the sixth year running that the EC has approved the programme to eradicate bovine TB in the country and follows a Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) inspection in September last year.
Deputy minister for farming and food, Rebecca Evans, said that she is "delighted" that the EC has approved the eradication plan and that it has recognised their commitment to eradicating the disease from Wales.
The plan incorporates a range of measures which include work in the Intensive Action Area, the Badger Vaccination Grant, the All Wales Badger Found Dead Survey and a flagship initiative, Cymorth TB.
The plan will also encompass commitments to strengthen cattle control measures in place through the continual monitoring and review of the remaining Pre-Movement Testing exemptions.
Furthermore, the approval means that Wales will receive a share of a possible 31m Euros awarded to the UK to help it fight the disease. This funding will offset some TB testing and compensation costs.
For further information about the TB eradication programme, visit www.wales.gov.uk.