Wales extends TB trials as pilots prove successful
The battle against TB continues in Wales, following the government's announcement that it will be extending two pilot projects tackling the disease through on-farm trials.
The extension will see 28 farms and 12 veterinary practices continue to trial methods that aim to identify and manage TB risk within their cattle.
The trials are being supported by Aberystwyth University, who will be collaborating with farmers and vets to improve biosecurity at herd level.
Across several farms in North Wales and Pembrokeshire, the pilot projects have already made changes to herd husbandry and management practices, cattle purchasing, and biosecurity measures to keep disease out.
Government officials stated that the participating farmers and vets are constantly using data and sharing experiences to take action, including the voluntary removal of high-risk animals on farms as a preventative measure.
Wales
Wales' Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd highlighted that TB can impact farmers both financially and mentally.
He said: "These projects show the power of farmers, vets, researchers, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Welsh government working together.
"TB is a dark shadow over the family farm; together, we can break this vicious cycle."
The chief veterinary officer (CVO) for Wales, Dr. Richard Irvine emphasised the importance of collaboration within the pilot projects, commending all involved for their work to date.
Irvine commented: "Both projects clearly show farmers and vets developing herd-level and local TB actions together - to reduce TB risks in affected herds, and to keep the disease out.
"Through partnership and using a range of tools, information and approaches, positive action can be taken to combat TB.
"Findings from the continued work of these projects will also help inform work to refresh the TB eradication programme in Wales," he added.
The Welsh government also noted that the progress of the pilot projects so far has reportedly caught attention outside of the country, including recognition in Godfray's review into England's eradication strategy for TB.
In addition to this, government officials stated that the pilot projects were also recognised within Northern Ireland's TB strategy.
