TB action plan a shambles - Bates

Release/Rhyddhau: 22/03/06

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Montgomeryshire farmer and AM Mick Bates, has slammed the Labour Assembly Government’s plans to tackle Bovine TB in cattle, describing it as a “shambles”.

Mick, the Welsh Liberal Democrat countryside spokesperson, who farms in Llanfair Caereinon near Welshpool said:

“Bovine TB in Welsh cattle has increased from 974 in 1998 to 6339 in 2005. That figure is set to rise even more unless appropriate action is taken.

“The TB action group suggested pre movement testing. However, there is already a backlog in tests for TB. At the end of January 2006 the total number of overdue tests in Wales was 690. Any plans for pre movement testing will just increase this backlog and further damage the rural economy. I asked the Minister what evidence he had for pre movement testing and it appears there is none!”

“The Minister needs to revaluate his action plan and come up with a system that works. That means adopting a policy for the culling of wildlife that carry the disease. That may not be popular with his Labour backbenchers in urban constituencies, but it will be effective in strengthening the rural economy."