Thursday, January 27, 2011
Bovine TB in West Wales reduced by more than a third in 12 months
An e-mail arrives from Pembrokeshire Against the Cull, welcoming the latest bovine TB statistics issued by DEFRA which continues to show a significant reduction in the number of cattle slaughtered in West Wales over a 12 month period.
The latest figures published by Defra for January to October 2010, show a reduction in West Wales of 35% over the equivalent period in 2009. PAC say that overall, since the introduction in 2008 of the stricter testing regime and subsequently improved cattle control measures, the proportion of cattle slaughtered is down by over 51%.
As their spokespeson argues these figures indicate that the introduction of a stricter testing regime and subsequently improved cattle control measures by the Welsh Government are having a major impact in reducing the number of cattle being slaughtered due to bovine TB.
The question now is why the Minister for Rural Affairs is continuing to pursue her plans to introduce an uneconomic cull of badgers in West Wales when the estimated £6m cost could be diverted to introduce tighter cattle controls and improved bio security measures in all TB hotspots across Wales?
As PAC say, Badger culling is unnecessary in order to manage this disease. The alternative of cattle vaccination could have a huge impact on this disease and should be prioritised.
The latest figures published by Defra for January to October 2010, show a reduction in West Wales of 35% over the equivalent period in 2009. PAC say that overall, since the introduction in 2008 of the stricter testing regime and subsequently improved cattle control measures, the proportion of cattle slaughtered is down by over 51%.
As their spokespeson argues these figures indicate that the introduction of a stricter testing regime and subsequently improved cattle control measures by the Welsh Government are having a major impact in reducing the number of cattle being slaughtered due to bovine TB.
The question now is why the Minister for Rural Affairs is continuing to pursue her plans to introduce an uneconomic cull of badgers in West Wales when the estimated £6m cost could be diverted to introduce tighter cattle controls and improved bio security measures in all TB hotspots across Wales?
As PAC say, Badger culling is unnecessary in order to manage this disease. The alternative of cattle vaccination could have a huge impact on this disease and should be prioritised.
Comments:
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Peter you have omitted the use of a vaccine for the badger.
What is disturbing is that if Elin Jones had not been thwarted by the Badger Trust the decline in bovine TB would have been attributed to the killing of badgers.
What is equally worrying is that without any control group we will never know by how much a badger kill if introduced has reduced (or even increased) bovine TB in the PAC area.
Is Elin Jones aware of your views posted on the blog?
Derek H
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What is disturbing is that if Elin Jones had not been thwarted by the Badger Trust the decline in bovine TB would have been attributed to the killing of badgers.
What is equally worrying is that without any control group we will never know by how much a badger kill if introduced has reduced (or even increased) bovine TB in the PAC area.
Is Elin Jones aware of your views posted on the blog?
Derek H
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