Welsh farm leaders have expressed their support for the establishment of the new Bovine TB Eradication Programme Board, highlighting the burden the disease places on farmers.

One of the board's first priorities will be to review the six-year milestone target for bovine TB eradication and assess policies related to the management of Inconclusive Reactor test results.

The board, set to convene for the first time in December, will be chaired by Sharon Hammond, a farmer specialising in beef, sheep, and poultry.

MORE NEWS | Liverpool receives record 55,000-tonne maize shipment

In addition to several other farmers, representatives from the Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) and NFU Cymru will also participate in the board's discussions.

The FUW has welcomed the chance to have a voice in the decision-making process but cautioned that cattle farmers continue to be 'shackled' by the ongoing threat of the disease.

From April 2023 to March 2024, over 11,000 cattle were culled due to bovine TB in Wales.

FUW deputy president and dairy farmer Dai Miles said: "There are no inroads being made in achieving the Welsh government's goal of bovine TB freedom by 2041 despite huge sacrifices being imposed on farming businesses.

“As a union, we are keen to play our part on the board and work closely with the Technical Advisory Group in reviewing important matters relevant to bovine TB eradication.”

The challenge of eradicating bovine TB is multifaceted, with farmgate frustration over ineffective policies fuelling protests from the farming community in the spring of 2024.

An analysis of GB bovine TB statistics shows minimal progress in reducing the number of herds in Wales that are ‘Not Officially TB Free’.

Over the past six years, the number of these herds has decreased by only 0.09%, casting doubt on the goal of achieving TB freedom.

Mr Miles emphasised that the industry cannot afford to maintain the status quo.

"We must grasp this opportunity to work collaboratively as an industry to influence and direct change, not only for the present health and wellbeing of our cattle and farmers, but also for our future generations.” he said.

The board will meet quarterly and provide guidance to the chief veterinary officer for Wales and Welsh ministers.