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 July 2016, 9,492 cattle were slaughtered in Wales – up 38% from 6,872 for the same period to July 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:

“Labour’s vaccination programme has spectacularly failed to tackle Bovine TB, and the huge impact that this disease is having on rural communities and Welsh farming is plain for all to see.

“As a party, we have long called for a comprehensive scientifically-led programme of bovine TB eradication, but it remains all too clear that vaccination alone will not work.

“We must 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.”