Veterinary associations have welcomed the announcement by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) that it will consult on a new draft Tuberculosis Eradication Order that will allow the WAG to pursue a badger control strategy in a specified area of west Wales.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) have supported the WAG’s ongoing commitment to tackling bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) and were disappointed when the Court of Appeal ruled against the WAG on a previous Order earlier this year.
Commenting, Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said:
"The BVA supports the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to tackling bovine TB and we welcome the consultation on a new Order.
"It is important to remember that the Court of Appeal did not rule against the science of the original Order, but the process by which the decision was reached."
Keith Cutler, President of BCVA, added:
"Unlike the earlier Order that was rejected by the Court of Appeal, the draft TB Eradication Order announced today by the Welsh Assembly Government will focus on an Intensive Action Area where bovine TB levels are extremely high.
"BCVA is highly supportive of the WAG’s new proposals as they will introduce a badger control strategy alongside stricter cattle control and biosecurity measures."
