The Minister’s comments followed the European Commission endorsing the UK Bovine TB Eradication Programme for 2013, which includes Wales’ own plans to tackle the disease.

This is the fourth year running that the Commission has endorsed the Programme to eradicate bovine TB in Wales.

Mr Griffiths said:  

“Bovine TB is a devastating disease which has profound impacts on farming families and rural communities. In 2011 over eight thousand animals were slaughtered at a cost of over £13m in compensation alone. This is not sustainable and requires us to do all we can to eradicate this disease.

“I am delighted that the European Commission has recognised the commitment shown by Wales to eradicating this disease. We have a comprehensive range of measures in place to deal with bovine TB. This includes tackling the disease in wildlife, increased TB testing and improving biosecurity.”

The 2013 Plan sets out TB eradication policies that will be implemented during the year and builds on the measures contained in the Strategic Framework for Bovine TB Eradication in Wales.   It also includes data on the epidemiology of bovine TB in Wales over the last five years and targets for TB testing and plans for badger vaccination in 2013.

The Plan acts as an application for European Union funding for certain measures in the Programme, including contributions toward compensation for animals slaughtered and testing costs.  

Environment and countryside