WIREDGOV

As part of the Welsh Government’s drive to tackle the problem of bovine tuberculosis (TB), members of the public are being asked to report sightings of dead badgers to help with an extensive survey.

The survey aims to identify which badgers found dead are infected with bovine TB and will be carried out across the whole of Wales as of recently (3 November) and will continue for at least the whole of 2015. It has been running in the Intensive Action Area in North Pembrokeshire since 2012.

Anyone who finds a dead badger should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 0300 303 8268. The line is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. APHA will, wherever possible, endeavour to collect all carcasses reported.

Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans said:

“Bovine TB is one of the biggest challenges facing Wales’ farming industry. It is a devastating disease and one that as a government we are working hard to eradicate.

“Our comprehensive bovine TB eradication programme, which has now been in place for more than five years, is based on solid evidence and includes annual testing of cattle, strict biosecurity measures and movement control.

“The survey will provide useful information on Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection in badgers and the results will be used to investigate the relationship between M. bovis infection in badgers and cattle. This is another important step in our aim to tackle TB and achieve our ultimate goal of a TB free Wales.”