Tell Them What You Think ^beta

Background Information

Bovine TB is an infectious and debilitating disease which has increased dramatically in recent years:

• Last year more than 12,000 cattle in Wales were slaughtered because of the disease.
• By the 2013/14 financial year, taxpayers could be paying more than £80m to farmers in compensation if the disease continues to escalate at the current rate.
• This increase has taken place despite the existence of cattle surveillance and control measures across Wales.

The Welsh Assembly Government has set up a comprehensive programme to eradicate bovine TB. Since the programme was established, a series of new initiatives to stop cattle from spreading the disease have been introduced.

We need to tackle all sources of infection. Compelling evidence now exists to show that badgers not only act as a host for Mycobacterium bovis but also contribute significantly to the disease in cattle. Not addressing the disease in badgers leaves behind a source of infection for cattle and other animals.

Your views are invited on a draft Order under the Animal Health Act 1981 to allow for badger control strategies in Wales, as part of the bovine TB Eradication Programme.

The closing date for responses is Friday 17 July 2009.

Comments should be sent to:

TB Team
Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer
Department for Rural Affairs
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10. 3NQ

Fax: 02920 826120
Email: bovinetb@wales.gsi.gov.uk

We intend to publish a summary of the responses to this document. Normally, the names and addresses (or part of them) of their authors are published along with the response. If you do not wish to be identified as the author of your response, please state this clearly when you write or email us.

Here are the documents we were able to locate that relate to this consultation: