High Court decision puts TB control strategy in jeopardy - Bates

Release/Rhyddhau: 16/07/07

Contact/Cyswllt: Mick Bates
029 2089 8342/ 01686 625527/ mick.bates@wales.gov.uk 

Montgomeryshire farmer and AM Mick Bates has expressed his dismay at a high court decision to save TB infected bull Shambo.

Speaking from Mid Wales Mick said:

“This decision is a blow to every farmer in Wales who have lost animals to bovine TB.

“Over the last few years thousands of animals have been slaughtered across the country in order to help control the disease. Farmers, unions and politicians alike have recognised the need to take measures. After all we have seen first hand what disease can do to our farms.

“This decision will have serious repercussions on the industry. Will every farmer with an infected animal question what will happen next on their farm? Will they be saying my animal should be saved like Shambo? They will ask ‘why should I suffer my farm being closed down because of the disease while another animal with the same condition lives?’

“The High court decision puts Assembly government plans to control the disease in jeopardy. The farming industry is already reaching crisis point because of bovine TB. To allow decisions like this allows the crisis to get worse. Will it take another foot-and-mouth before people realise there is a need to control diseases in animals? I hope not. The Minister needs to make a statement immediately on the control of Bovine TB. In that statement she needs to express her intend to challenge the high court decision to put the industries mind at rest.”