Wales’ cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, announced further changes to bovine tuberculosis (bTB) testing in Wales on Wednesday, June 26, aimed at simplifying procedures without increasing the risk of disease spread.

The changes were made in response to industry feedback and consider the resources required by farmers and vets, as well as cost-effectiveness.

Irranca-Davies stated: “Since my appointment in March, I have made a point of meeting farmers, vets and others across the industry to listen to their concerns around TB and the burden and anxieties these can cause,”

“I’m pleased to be able to announce today that further changes – which have been made in response to industry feedback – are now in place. Recognising the impact on farmers, their families, and their businesses is at the forefront of my mind.”

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Irranca-Davies accepted all the Technical Advisory Group’s advice regarding the on-farm slaughter of TB reactors and stated that changes to the management of pregnant cattle have already been implemented in collaboration with APHA.

He emphasised that the programme for eradicating bovine TB relies on partnership working with farmers and vets, which is crucial to achieving a TB-free Wales.

Irranca-Davies made the announcement ahead of his first appearance as the guest of honour at the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Welsh dinner (June 26).