bTB situation in Wales

Wales introduced stricter cattle control measures in 2010

Intensive Pilot Action Area

The Welsh Assembly Government had planned to use culling and vaccination of badgers as part of the tuberculosis eradication programme in Wales. However, the legislation to do so was quashed by the Court of Appeal on technical grounds. The BVA issued a press release expressing its disappointment.

The Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, has said that the Welsh Assembly Government will consider the judges’ decision in detail before deciding on its next steps.

Enhanced cattle control measures

On 4 May 2010 the Rural Affairs Minister laid the Tuberculosis (Wales) Order 2010, which applies from 25 May 2010. The Order will introduce a number of changes to pre-movement testing for cattle and link the compensation paid to cattle keepers for animals slaughtered as a result of bovine TB to good practice and compliance with the testing system.

The enhanced cattle control measures will include:

Testing cattle herds every six months
All breakdowns, whether or not “confirmed” post-mortem, will require a clear test, 60 days after a positive test, followed by a further clear test after a further 60 days, before Official TB Free Status is regained and movement restrictions removed
All breakdowns will be subject to tracing which will generate additional testing for associated cattle herds
Restricting cattle movements within and outside the area. All British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) linkages and Sole Occupancy Authorities (SOAs) between holdings inside and outside the pilot area are being cancelled, requiring farmers to report all movements to BCMS and comply with pre-movement testing requirements.