Welsh Government data has today revealed that there was a 37% increase in the total number of cattle slaughtered, in the 12 months to the end of May 2016. The full report can be read here: http://gov.wales/statistics-and-research/incidence-tuberculosis-cattle-great-britain/?lang=en

Responding to the report, Welsh Conservative Rural Affairs Secretary, Paul Davies AM, said:

“These figures act as a timely reminder as to the levels of cattle being slaughtered, as a consequence of tuberculosis – a disease which continues to plague our agricultural communities.

“Across Wales, there remains much anger and frustration as to the pace in which the bovine TB issue is being dealt with. With a new administration in place, Labour Ministers must outline its response to the fact there has been a 37% year-on-year increase in the total number of animals slaughtered.

“The Welsh Government cannot continue to dither on this issue. Any strategy to combat TB needs to be hammered out with the close involvement of farmers, farming unions, scientists and rural communities.

“It must be ensured that a programme to combat this virulent disease is all-encompassing and permanent, ending once and for all the financial and emotional strain on Welsh farmers.

“Welsh Conservatives support a comprehensive, scientifically-led programme of bovine TB eradication to deal with the disease in cattle and wildlife.”