“Holistic approach” is needed to tackle bovine TB, says new Assembly report

There is a “real link” between bovine TB in cattle and the disease in wildlife, but it cannot be controlled and eradicated by one method alone, according to a new Assembly report published today.

The Rural Development Sub-Committee’s inquiry into bovine TB has concluded that only a combination of increased on farm biosecurity, the understanding and control of TB in the wildlife population and the speedy and accurate identification and management of reactors and at risk herds will deal with the disease.

The Committee’s report makes a number of recommendations, including the establishment of a pilot area for culling badgers, and the annual testing of cattle. But the report stresses the importance of all stakeholders, including farmers and wildlife groups, taking ownership of the problem.

The Committee also recommends that the Assembly Government reviews the current extent of its powers and if more powers are needed to implement the necessary holistic approach to fighting bovine TB, it should seek them as a matter of urgency.

Alun Davies AM, Chair of the Rural Development Sub-Committee, said: “Bovine TB is one of the most serious challenges facing Welsh agriculture and the Welsh countryside today. Its impact on wildlife, cattle and the industry is growing rapidly and to date various policies that have been used to bring the disease under control have all failed to stop its spread.

“At present, we are simply not convinced that we have the tools available at our disposal to either control or eliminate the disease and it is clear that the Assembly Government will need to make substantial investments in the animal disease control and biosecurity infrastructure in Wales.

“There is a real link between bovine TB in cattle and the disease in wildlife. Whilst it may be possible to control the disease by implementing biosecurity measures alone, it is not possible to eradicate the disease in this way. The Committee is now convinced that the Government should adopt an holistic approach which will defeat the disease in both the wildlife population and within the cattle population.”