Following the announcement today from the Welsh Labour Government on Bluetongue (BTV-3) controls in Wales, the Welsh Conservatives have expressed concerns at the cost and practicality of these controls.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS, said:
“Welsh farmers are extremely worried about the threat of the spread of the disease given the significant amount of stock that move across the border from England to Wales for management, welfare and trading purposes
“With the critical autumn trading season approaching, Welsh farmers need practical, sustainable solutions to avoid disruptions to cash flow and productivity.
“I am not yet convinced that what the Deputy First Minister has suggested is at all possible, given the limitations within APHA and the laboratories to deliver the high number of tests that’ll be required. There may also be unintended consequences in terms of the cost to farmers, and also an increase in cross-border movements before the 20th June, increasing the risk of the disease coming into Wales.
“This is not an easy situation at all, and the Deputy First Minister must continue to keep this under close review and be prepared to change course should it be necessary.”
