Protect Our Clean Areas From Bovine TB
WALES, UK - Detailed maps illustrating the creeping nature of bovine tuberculosis (TB) over the last two decades in Wales was the focal point of a presentation given by David Pugh, Animal Health Divisional Veterinary Manager, at a recent Mid-Gwynedd National Farmers' Union (NFU) Cymru county meeting.
15 December 2009
2 minute read
Having seen the maps Mr Dafydd Jones, Mid-Gwynedd NFU Cymru County Chairman said, “The aim for cattle famers in north west Wales is to keep this area clear of this dreadful disease before it has a chance to establish itself.
“Annual and pre-movement testing of cattle over six weeks old does help, but farmers who buy in cattle need better information on dates of testing and where the cattle originated from. This information should be made readily available to them wherever they buy cattle, be it direct off farm or through auction markets.
“Ideally testing information should be noted on the cattle passport confirming the date of when the animal last tested clear of TB, although we understand that there are a number of practical and legal issues which means that this is not currently possible. However, up-to-date knowledge about bought in cattle would improve bio-security of individual farms, as the buyer would have better information about the TB status of those animals before coming to a decision on whether to buy or not.
“I would also encourage every cattle farmer to concur fully with the annual and pre-movement testing requirements in 2010. The future protection of our cattle herds depends on it.”
Ending with a word of caution, Mr Dafydd Jones said, “In areas of Wales where the disease is rife it is not just a question of regular and pre-movement testing but the removal of all sources of infection in both cattle and wildlife. Only by having intensive treatment areas, in areas of high disease incidence such as that proposed for the north Pembrokeshire area, will we in the end be able to fully protect both the livestock and the wildlife of Gwynedd and Anglesey from this debilitating dreadful disease.”
TheCattleSite News Desk
