LAURA Anne Jones has warned the UK Government’s decision to impose restrictions on livestock movements in Wales will prove devastating for farming in Wales, labelling it “a completely disproportionate response.”

The restrictions have been put in place to prevent the spread of the bluetongue virus. Farmers’ ability to move sheep, cattle and goats from England into Wales will be limited.

Ms Jones said the move was disproportionate and will prove ineffective, since the virus is spread by midges, not livestock to livestock and says the move will have a devastating impact on farmers and auctioneers, particularly in border counties like Monmouthshire.

Ms Jones will visit Monmouthshire Lovestock centre on Wednesday June 18 with Senedd Tory Leader Darren Millar.

Phil Jones, Market Manager at Monmouthshire Livestock Centre, said: “The impending movement restrictions will have a catastrophic effect on the Livestock industry both sides of the border.

“We rely on free movement for trade and the whole of industry is in agreeance that the damage that these restrictions will have, will be far worse than the disease itself should it even reach Wales.

“Farmers have the opportunity to vaccinate should they wish to do so.”

Laura Anne Jones MS said: “These restrictions are a completely disproportionate response.”

“Anybody who knows anything about farming knows that bluetongue is spread by midges and is not spread from livestock to livestock.”

“Most farmers who I have spoken to, who of course want to stop the spread of any disease, cannot see how these restrictions will solve this issue.”

“It’s hard to justify the high level of restrictions being put in place, especially when you take into account the devastating financial impact this will have on many farmers.”

“This will be a huge for farmers and auctioneers at a time when they are already being battered by the Welsh and UK governments.”