Mick Bates AM demands urgent review of biosecurity

Release/Rhyddhau: 07/09/07

Contact/Cyswllt: Sian Cliff
02920 898342 / sian.cliff@wales.gov.uk

Mick Bates AM has reacted angrily to reports published today on the recent outbreak of foot and mouth and demands compensation for farmers and a full Government review.

Defra today published two reports on the recent outbreak in Surrey. Initial investigations uncovered that the disease may have spread due to poor control measures at the waste treatment facility in Pirbright. The NFU have described the breaches of basic biosecurity safeguards as ‘indefensible’.

Mick Bates AM urges the Government to take strong action to prevent such outbreaks in the future:

“As a farmer I understand the devastating effect these outbreaks have on our livelihoods. We have been lucky this time that the disease was contained but farmers in Wales have suffered huge financial losses due to movement and trade restrictions.

“Disease is serious for animal health and the economics of the farming industry. We need high standards of biosecurity and effective hygiene practices in place to stop the spread of disease.

“I call on the Government to undertake a full review of waste disposal and management at all such facilities that they run. I also call for compensation for farmers for all losses associated with foot and mouth.

“We must protect our farmers and industries in Wales. Biosecurity is key to ensuring these incidents do not occur in the future and I urge the Government to take strong measures to eradicate disease in the Welsh countryside.”