New Bovine TB statistics released by the Welsh Government once again highlight Welsh Labour’s failure to eradicate the disease in Wales.

The figures reveal that in the 12 months to June 2016, 9,476 cattle were slaughtered in Wales – up 43% from 6,647 for the same period to June 2015.

Welsh Conservatives have called on the Welsh Government to acknowledge calls from the farming unions for changes to their TB eradication programme.

Commenting on the figures, Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary – Paul Davies – said:

“These figures highlight Labour’s spectacular failure to tackle Bovine TB, and demonstrate the huge impact that this disease is having on rural communities and Welsh farming.

“We have long called for a comprehensive scientifically-led programme of bovine TB eradication to tackle the disease and it remains all too clear that vaccination alone will not work.

“Welsh Labour’s vaccination programme has failed, with the number of cattle slaughtered in Wales up by 43% in the 12 months up to June.

“We need to see decisive action from the Welsh Government, and a recognition that stringent cattle controls and additional biosecurity will not cut the mustard on their own.

“The lack of a coherent plan is harming rural communities and the impact has been hugely damaging, both from an economic and emotional standpoint.”