The Welsh Government’s decision to allow dedicated TB-restricted marts to run in high TB areas in Wales for at least 12 months has been welcomed.
It is the first time sales of clear tested cattle from TB-restricted herds have been permitted in Wales and supporters say that it means slaughter is no longer the the only option for cattle from farms locked up with bovine TB.
The decision comes after a successful pilot in Whitland.
According to Welsh Government statistics, 95% of herds are TB free and a 11% fall in the number of new TB incidents across Wales in the last 12 months, compared to the same four quarters in 2018/19. The Welsh Government has set a target for Wales to become officially TB-free between 2036 and 2041.
Cllr Rob James, Carmarthenshire Labour Leader stated “We welcome the Welsh Governments decision to sell clear tested cattle from TB-restricted herds for the first time, known as “Orange Marts”.
“This offers other opportunities for farmers rather than just slaughter and I am pleased to see that it has been welcomed by farming unions. We must now help to ensure that these operators are provided with the support and advice to help meet the criteria associated with these facilities.
“It is clear from the statistics that the Welsh Government’s TB eradication programme is having the desired impact and I welcome their target for Wales to be officially TB-free within the next two decades.”
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