The upcoming launch of a new technical group of experts to tackle bovine TB in Wales has been described as a “positive step” towards eradication of the disease.
The Bovine TB Technical Advisory Group (TAG) will advise Welsh government ministers on the science to tackle bovine TB in cattle herds in Wales.
It will be chaired by world renowned bovine TB expert Glyn Hewinson and will include six or seven prominent scientists, people with a background in social science, and vets.
The group will provide technical expertise on a number of key TB policy areas in Wales, such as the management and slaughter of in-calf cattle on farm.
It will report to a TB eradication Programme Board, consisting of cross-industry stakeholders, but ministers will ultimately be tasked with making policy decisions.
NFU Cymru deputy president Abi Reader, who runs a dairy herd in south Wales, said the union had been looking forward to this group launching for a long time.
“The stakes are very high and it is a daunting task for those involved,’’ she said.
“I believe the biggest catalyst for some of the recent Welsh farmer protests was the lack of government action on TB.”
The Welsh government will make information available on the new Bovine TB TAG in the coming weeks.
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