THE Senedd has backed Reform Wales’ calls for a science- led targeted approach to tackling bovine TB, marking an important step towards restoring confidence among Welsh farmers that this Senedd is committed to action and strengthening efforts to eradicate the disease.

The motion recognised the devastating financial, emotional and animal welfare impact bovine TB continues to have on farming families, healthy cattle and rural communities across Wales, while calling on the Welsh Government to ensure every scientifically validated tool remains available in the fight against the disease.

Commenting, Reform Wales’ Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Food, Farming and Rural Affairs, Laura Anne Jones MS, said:

“For too long, Welsh farmers have borne the financial and emotional burden of bovine TB while confidence in the current approach has continued to decline. The Senedd since its beginning has failed to tackle TB which has caused much heartache.”

“This debate has always been about supporting our farmers, protecting animal welfare and giving Wales the best possible chance of eradicating this devastating disease.

“Reform Wales will continue to stand alongside our farming communities and push for policies that are evidence-led, proportionate and focused on delivering results.

“The Government voted with our Reform motion, and that is reassuring, but now they must urgently take the action needed – giving us timelines and detailed plan of how Wales can finally rid itself of this cruel disease.

“Bovine TB needs to be tackled from every angle possible, after decades of failure, we owe our farmers this commitment.”