Bates backs action to tackle Bovine TB

Release/Rhyddhau: 22/08/07

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

Commenting on the news that two more animals have been classified as positive for Bovine TB at the Skanda Vale Hindu community, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM, Mick Bates said:

“As a farmer I understand the heartbreak that is felt when you find out an animal has to be put down because of disease. However, the decision to put down two more animals at the Skanda community has to stand.

“It is the right thing to do, both for the animals and the wider community. The animals will suffer greatly if the disease is allowed to worsen and the Welsh countryside will pay a high price if the disease continues to spread.

“Bovine TB is a major threat to farmers and animal keepers all over Wales. What’s more it is growing at an alarming rate. In 1998 there were 974 cases of Bovine TB in the country. By 2005 that figure had risen to 6,339.

“Over the last 10 years the farming industry, indeed the country, has been rocked by animal disease. We need to eradicate all disease, not least Bovine TB.

“Today I am laying down a challenge to the new Minister for Rural Affairs Elin Jones. When she took office she took on the job of eradicating disease in the Welsh countryside. In the next few years I hope she will do just that. I will be happy to help, as I'm sure will every AM in the Assembly and every farmer in Wales"