The Plight of a Welsh Farmer: The Harsh Reality of Bovine TB and Welsh Government Neglect
As the Member of Parliament for Brecon and Radnorshire, I have met with farmers in the constituency who have endured one of the most heart-wrenching experiences one can imagine - watching their cattle, animals they have raised and bonded with, being shot in front of them on their own farm. This isn't just a loss of livestock; it's a loss of friends and a piece of their heart. The cattle suspected of having tuberculosis (TB) are not just numbers in a ledger; they are creatures they have nurtured from birth, whose personalities they have come to know and love. The trauma of witnessing their deaths is an indescribable agony, a stress unknown to most.
The Emotional Toll
For farmers, their livestock is more than just a source of income; they are an integral part of their lives. The bonds they form with these animals are profound, making their forceful removal and execution an emotionally scarring event. This traumatic experience is often overlooked by those outside the agricultural community. The Welsh Government's apparent indifference exacerbates this pain. Their lack of urgency in addressing the TB problem in Welsh agriculture feels like a betrayal to farmers, the backbone of the rural economy.
Welsh Government's Inaction
The Welsh Government's response to the TB crisis has been, in my view, lacklustre. They seem to drag their heels, with no robust plan akin to England's comprehensive strategy. The Welsh Government needs to witness first-hand the impact of their policies - or lack thereof. I urge Welsh Government ministers to visit farms during these distressing times, to see the effect on farmers, their families, and the wider community. Perhaps then they might grasp the severity of the situation and start taking effective measures.
England's Approach: A Model for Action
In contrast, the UK Government has implemented a well-rounded strategy to combat bovine TB. They aim to eradicate the disease by 2038 with measures that include:
Badger Vaccination: A significant investment in a five-year badger vaccination programme in East Sussex covers 250 square kilometres. This could be a game-changer for disease control.
Ending Intensive Badger Culling: The cessation of licensing new intensive badger culls after 2022, a decision informed by the reduction in bTB rates in certain areas.
Cattle Vaccination Development: The greenlighting of trials for a bTB cattle vaccine, with hopes of deployment by 2025, shows a commitment to innovative solutions.
Improved Testing and Monitoring: Enhanced testing for cattle and a robust monitoring system for badgers and disease levels signifies a comprehensive approach.
Support for Farmers: New services to help farmers improve biosecurity and build herd resilience demonstrate an understanding of farmers' needs.
Tightened Cattle Movement Controls: Strengthening the rules around cattle movements to prevent disease spread is a necessary step.
Welsh Government Needs to Step Up
The Labour Welsh Government needs to emulate this proactive approach. They have set a target to eradicate TB post-2041, a timeline that seems painfully slow in comparison. Beyond basic post and pre-movement testing legislation, more decisive action is needed. It's high time the Welsh Government matched the UK Government's efforts and acknowledged the seriousness of the issue.
Conclusion
Welsh farmers are not asking for miracles. They are asking for empathy, understanding, and action. Welsh Government must start prioritising rural communities, not just urban areas for electoral gains. They need support, both emotionally and in terms of policy, to manage this crisis. It's a plea for recognition, for help, and for a future where the sight of a farmer's cattle being shot on his own land becomes a memory, not a recurring nightmare.
