WIREDGOV

The European Commission (EC) has approved the UK TB Eradication Plan for 2015 which includes the approach being taken forward to eradicate bovine TB in Wales.

This is the sixth year running that the EC has approved  the programme to eradicate bovine TB in Wales and follows a Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) inspection in September last year.

Welcoming the news, Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans said:

“I am delighted that the EC has approved our Eradication Plan for 2015 and recognised our commitment to eradicating the disease from Wales. Our plan includes a range of measures which include the work in the Intensive Action Area, the Badger Vaccination Grant, the all Wales Badger Found Dead Survey and our flagship initiative Cymorth TB.”

“It also includes commitments to strengthen cattle control measures in place through the continual monitoring and review of the remaining Pre-Movement Testing exemptions.”

The approval also means that Wales will receive a share of a possible 31m Euros awarded to the UK to help it stamp out the disease. The EU funding offsets some TB testing and compensation costs.

The 2015 Plan sets out TB eradication policies that will be implemented during the year and builds on measures contained in the 2014 Plan. The policies based on the broad principles set out in the Strategic Framework for Bovine TB Eradication in Wales.

For more details on the bovine TB eradication programme please visit the Welsh Government's bovine TB page.