The Welsh Conservatives have expressed deep concern over the Welsh Government’s handling of its measures to prevent the spread of bluetongue, highlighting significant flaws in the decision-making process and its impact on the agricultural sector.
Speaking in the Senedd, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS criticised the lack of transparency, no economic impact assessment, and no consultation.
Commenting after the statement, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS, said:
“The policy is out of touch with farming reality and is neither proportionate nor pragmatic. Movement restrictions on stock, when the disease is not spread from animal-to-animal transmission but by midges, are sowing uncertainty at the height of the trading season, this isn't protecting the industry; it's paralysing it.
“We all want to keep bluetongue out, but this heavy-handed and bureaucratic policy will only harm the industry it aims to protect and the Deputy First Minister has admitted he cannot guarantee the Welsh Government approach will keep bluetongue out of Wales.
“The Welsh Conservatives are calling on the Welsh Government to urgently reconsider its stance and align with England’s restricted zone policy with increased vaccinations. This coordinated approach, while not perfect, better reflects the realities of animal movements and the shared nature of the threat, offering a more practical solution for farmers on both sides of the border.”
