The amount of Bovine TB compensation paid to Welsh farmers has risen by an alarming 33% in just 12 months, according to new figures uncovered by the Welsh Conservatives.

According to a Written Assembly Question (WAQ) by the leader of the Welsh Conservatives – Andrew RT Davies – £14.5m was paid in compensation to farmers in 2015/16 as a result of incidences of Bovine TB.

The alarming hike in payouts came in a year where the Welsh Labour Government was forced to suspend its vaccination programme due to supply chain issues.

In 2014/15, £10.9m was paid out to Welsh farmers, rising to £14.5m in 2015/16 – a rise of 33%.

The WAQ also revealed that the cost of the Welsh Government’s TB Programme Delivery (which includes TB testing and the general TB eradication programme) also rose over 12 months – despite the suspension of the vaccination programme. From £12.4m in 2014/15, to £14m in 2015/16.

Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary, Paul Davies AM, said the figures were further evidence of the need for a coherent strategy to eradicate TB.

He said:

“These figures highlight the Welsh Labour Government’s spectacular failure to tackle Bovine TB in recent years, as well as the devastating impact that this disease continues to have on farming communities.

“Compensation payouts are spiralling, the vaccination programme has been suspended, and yet the costs of administering the wider scheme are also being driven upwards.

“It has long been clear that the Welsh Labour Government hasn’t had a coherent strategy to tackle TB, and it is vital that one is brought forward when the current consultation ends.

“Welsh Conservatives have long called for a comprehensive, scientifically-led programme of TB eradication.

“Clearly it’s not sustainable to preside over an ever-increasing compensation bill and Bovine TB is doing irreparable harm to Welsh rural communities.”