Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans, has reminded farmers to consider the potential TB risk animals could pose before purchasing them.
Earlier this year the Welsh Government launched the “Informed Purchasing” grant, to make it easier for farmers to know the TB history of the herd of origin of any animals they are considering purchasing at a market. The grant helps markets to purchase equipment, such as display boards and screens, where the TB information of the animals they are selling can be displayed.
The Deputy Minister has encouraged livestock markets to take advantage of the grant:
“There are a number of simple steps farmers can take to help protect their cattle from possible infection, starting with asking for the disease and testing history of an animal and the herd it comes from when making purchasing decisions.
“To support this we are providing grant support to help livestock markets upgrade their facilities to allow TB information to be prominently displayed. The ‘Informed Purchasing’ grant closes on the 31 December, So I encourage any markets who haven’t applied yet to do so to.”
Peredur Hughes Chair of the Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group said:
“Good biosecurity and health planning will reduce the likelihood that cattle will become infected with TB and other diseases.
“Buying cattle from herds with a history of the disease may represent more of a risk than buying cattle from herds that have not had TB for a number of years. Farmers should always ask about the TB history of the herd of origin and consider the risk the animals may pose and the precautions they should take before purchasing them.”
The Welsh Government is offering to fund 50% of the cost for markets to upgrade their facilities, up to a maximum of £2,500. The application window closes on 31 December 2015.
More information is available on the Welsh Government’s Bovine TB page or through contacting the grant manager on 0800 5283300 or bovinetb@wales.gsi.gov.uk
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