So, we’ll move straight to item 8, the statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs on exotic animal disease threats, bluetongue and contingency planning, and I thank her for her patience in waiting to be called.

Thank you, Chair.

Animal disease outbreaks are devastating for all concerned and can have wide and costly consequences for animal and public health, the economy and the environment. Ensuring a state of preparedness for an incursion of an exotic notifiable animal disease, therefore, is a priority. Suspicion of an exotic notifiable animal disease, such as foot and mouth disease or bluetongue, under the terms of the Animal Health Act 1981, must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency for investigation. There have been 137 such reports between April 2015 and 20 June this year.

If an exotic notifiable animal disease outbreak occurs, the significant costs for Government are unbudgeted and are considered as a contingent liability. Policy responsibility for animal health and welfare was devolved to the Welsh Government in 2005; however, it was not until 2011 that the associated budgets were devolved. The potential for heavy, unbudgeted costs for dealing with a disease outbreak would place an unexpected pressure on unrelated programmes and services provided by the Welsh Government. It is, therefore, vital that surveillance activities and contingency planning are in place with the aim of preventing, detecting, managing and eradicating disease quickly to minimise the impact on the livestock industry, the rural community and the wider economy.

Contingency planning provides the systems and structures necessary to manage and eradicate an animal disease outbreak. The Animal Health Act 2002 required contingency plans to be produced for FMD, Newcastle disease and avian influenza, which should be reviewed and updated regularly. The Welsh Government has had robust contingency plans in place since 2003, which are regularly tested in exercises and disease incidents. The ‘Welsh Government Contingency Plan for Exotic Animal Diseases’ sets out the procedures, processes and structures that would be used in a disease outbreak. The plan is reviewed annually and republished as necessary. It has recently been reviewed and was republished last month. Such reviews take account of lessons learned from UK and local exercises, as well as real-time events. Contingency plans were last used for outbreaks of avian influenza in England and Scotland in mid-2015 and early 2016. England, Scotland and Northern Ireland also maintain contingency plans and, in addition, the ‘United Kingdom Contingency Plan for Exotic Notifiable Diseases of Animals’ provided a strategic overview of the structures and systems necessary to deal with an outbreak of disease in the UK, demonstrating how the Governments would work together in an outbreak.

The early detection of disease is essential for animal and public health. By long-term planning and taking a joined-up approach to developing our contingency planning, we can help create the healthy, resilient and prosperous Wales we are striving for with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. Surveillance is undertaken on a Wales and England basis by APHA, along with Welsh Government veterinary advisors, who also horizon scan the global animal disease situation to identify any risks to the UK. The Welsh Government and the other UK administrations have specific legislation and disease control strategies for dealing with diseases such as bluetongue, rabies, FMD, classical swine fever and equine diseases.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease that can affect ruminant species, including sheep, cattle, deer, goats and camelids. There are 26 strains of the bluetongue virus and it has no human health implications and does not affect meat or other animal products. BTV is mainly spread by adult infected midges biting an animal susceptible to the disease. The BTV strain 8 first reached the UK during 2007 from mainland Europe and the UK was not declared disease free until 2011.

BTV8 is currently circulating in France with over 288 outbreaks reported as at 1 July. France is continuing to confirm cases, primarily identified as a result of surveillance. The key aspect of the threat to the UK is the location of the outbreaks, which are currently in the central and south-west regions. If the situation changes and outbreaks are confirmed further north, nearer to the English coast, then the risk to the UK would increase accordingly.

There are two key ways that BTV8 might arrive into the UK: through infected midges or through the importation of infected livestock. A qualitative risk assessment, published in February, considered the likely incursion of BTV8 into the UK. Given the strong movement and import controls, the risk of an infected live animal introducing the disease into the UK was considered to be low. Infected midges are considered the most likely route and the risk of an incursion into the UK was considered to be 33 to 60 per cent in July and 60 to 80 per cent in September.

France has applied the restrictions required by EU rules. Animals in a restriction zone are banned from leaving, unless accompanied by a veterinary health certificate that confirms they are vaccinated against BTV or naturally immune. Animals imported into the UK from a restriction zone are restricted on the holding of destination until post-import testing for signs of disease are completed. APHA also carry out risk-based post-import testing of animals imported from free areas within France.

Government is continuing to work closely with the livestock industry and veterinary profession to ensure they are reliably informed. The situation in France is being closely monitored and consideration is being given to the risks and mitigation measures if BTV8 reached the UK. The National Farmers Union has launched an industry campaign—joint action against bluetongue, or JAB—to inform and support the livestock industry by raising awareness of the disease and the actions they can take to protect their animals. Discussions with vaccine manufacturers indicate they intend to make available BTV8 vaccine supplies over the summer.

In advance of any outbreak or incident, Government will ensure all relevant agencies and partners will be able to communicate effectively and appropriately regarding the risk. Our key messages are: there are robust disease surveillance procedures in place; livestock keepers should consider, along with their vet, the best protection for their animals, including whether vaccination is an option that would benefit their business; farmers who import or move susceptible species should carefully consider the risks and the health status of animals when sourcing stock, particularly from mainland Europe; farmers are strongly encouraged to be vigilant, monitor their stock carefully and report any signs of disease.

The risk of incursion of bluetongue is difficult to predict as it is highly dependent on the level of disease on the continent, the proximity to the UK and the weather. I am, therefore, confident we have the structures in place to enable us to take swift and decisive action in the event of an outbreak of an exotic notifiable animal disease in Wales. We will continue to work closely with operational partners and stakeholders to monitor the current situation and minimise this risk.

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. Simon Thomas.

Thank you, temporary Deputy Presiding Officer, and I thank the Cabinet Secretary for her statement today. It’s appropriate, I’m sure, that she should set out before the summer some of the steps that Government will take in order to deal with these exotic animal diseases. They’re called ‘exotic’, but they’re not as exotic now, given the impacts of climate change. We’ve already seen a number of examples of bluetongue in Wales, and some of the other diseases as well, which are either imported or spread by midges.

So, further to that statement, can the Minister tell me what consideration has been given to a vaccination campaign to deal with bluetongue specifically, because climate change seems to be driving this disease far closer to us here in Wales during the summer months? I understand that there is a very effective vaccine available, and, as was stated, that the farmers’ unions have been considering disseminating information about this vaccination, but do we need to go a step further and encourage more vaccination by farmers? Has the Government actually modelled the cost of vaccination against the cost of an outbreak of this disease in Wales—against the impact on the industry as a result of falling prices because of such a disease, because that’s what tends to happen when a disease outbreak takes place?

A second question arising as a result of the statement is one on the ability and capacity of the veterinary system to deal with this. The Minister mentioned in her statement the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Of course, since the cuts to laboratories in that agency, stopgap measures have been put in place –that’s how I would describe them—with some private companies and veterinary practices trying to fill in the gaps, with the British Veterinary Association warning that we may miss some warnings as a result of losing these laboratories. So, what discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the veterinary profession on ensuring that there is sufficient notification and plenty of testing facilities for bluetongue and the other diseases mentioned in the statement?

The final point arising as a result of that, of course, is: what discussions is the Cabinet Secretary now having with the wider profession on the fact that around half of the vets that we rely on in the UK were trained in the European Union—in other places in the European Union? I will mention this here, and you’d expect me to mention this, that we don’t have a veterinary school in Wales. There were exciting proposals by Aberystwyth University to try and fill some of that gap immediately, if not the whole gamut, but as we await support to achieve that dream we are reliant on vets who have been trained in other European nations and who make a very valuable contribution to us here in Wales. You, Cabinet Secretary, attended the British Veterinary Association dinner recently, as did I, and I’m sure that this was raised with them—how important these vets are and how important it is that we, as we have done a number of occasions today, confirm that not only are EU vets welcome here but that we much appreciate the work that they do in keeping our livestock healthy and in helping us to tackle diseases such as these exotic diseases that you mentioned.

Diolch, Simon Thomas, for those questions. In relation to vaccination, I mentioned there is a vaccine available and it is the only effective tool to protect susceptible animals from bluetongue. The best time to vaccinate is early in the year, before the warm weather comes, which I know we’re still, perhaps, waiting for. That will then provide protection. So, I think that sort of work was done earlier in the year, but, obviously, as we go through the summer, that vaccination is still applicable if farmers would want to do that.

I mentioned that vaccinations would be made available by manufacturers, and, actually, two vaccine manufacturers have stated that they will be intending to make their vaccinations available from this month, so that’s a discussion that the chief veterinary officer and her advisers are having.

In relation to capacity, I think now that we have so many more vets going out to farms to test for TB, for instance, I think once those vets go onto the farm, they’re doing extra work, if you like, because they’re engaging with farmers and talking about biosecurity and what farmers can do to protect against diseases. So, I’m very happy with the capacity that we have at the current time. I think you raise a really important point about veterinary surgeons that we have from the EU, and, as you say, we very much appreciate their work and they are certainly very welcome in Wales.

I was very pleased to make the announcement regarding the MOU at Aberystwyth University, and the facilities that are being put in place there—not a complete veterinary school, but I think an important first step that we can build on.

Can I also thank the Cabinet Secretary for her important statement this afternoon, but I hope that the Cabinet Secretary will attach the same importance to tackling another disease, which is, of course, bovine TB, and bring forward a statement on the Welsh Government’s policy in dealing with this terrible disease before the autumn, given it’s having a huge negative impact on our farming industry?

Now, exotic animal disease threats are extremely delicate matters that need to be treated effectively and efficiently, and it’s important that the Welsh Government has robust contingency plans in place to respond to any outbreaks, particularly in relation to the threat of the bluetongue virus, which most of her statement refers to today. I appreciate that contingency planning has developed significantly over the years, but it’s worrying to see that almost 300 outbreaks of the bluetongue virus have been reported in France since July, and that the likelihood of the virus spreading into the UK is increasing. It’s crucial that any contingency planning is co-ordinated with other Governments across the UK so that differing policies don’t hinder each other or even escalate problems. Therefore, perhaps the Cabinet Secretary will tell us what specific discussions the Welsh Government has had with the UK Government and, indeed, other Governments regarding the bluetongue virus threat to ensure that animal disease threats are addressed in a joined-up manner across the whole of Britain.

I appreciate that the Welsh Government doesn’t have direct control over imports into Wales, and that policy direction for border control is decided at a UK Government level, however, I’d be grateful if the Cabinet Secretary could confirm if the Welsh Government does have any involvement in the monitoring of animal imports and products, and more specifically in relation to the process of post-import testing, which she refers to in her statement this afternoon. Also, whilst I’m pleased that discussions with the vaccine industry have taken place, perhaps the Cabinet Secretary can tell us a little bit more about the release of a potential vaccine for the bluetongue virus. The Member for Mid and West Wales touched upon the potential cost analysis of vaccination, but perhaps she could just give us an indication of the potential costs of vaccination.

Of course, in the event of any disease outbreak, we can expect to see restrictions in place and that in itself raises some serious questions. I appreciate that the Welsh Government’s contingency plan for exotic animal diseases is part of a wider strategy regarding animal welfare, and therefore I hope the Cabinet Secretary will tell us in her response how the Welsh Government protects the welfare of animals affected by movement restrictions during an emergency outbreak. It’s also important that there is a constant dialogue with local authorities and local operational partners, such as police forces. These local partners are at the front line when dealing with animal disease threats and the public response to them, and it’s important that communication is delivered effectively to those at an operational command level. Therefore, perhaps the Cabinet Secretary will tell us how the Welsh Government engages with local authorities and the police to ensure that they are constantly receiving real-time updates regarding any animal disease threats. I’d also be grateful if the Cabinet Secretary could tell us what type of local field work is undertaken at a local level, how that information is collected and monitored, and how that work feeds in with strategies for exotic animal disease threats at a UK level.

I welcome that the contingency plan for exotic animal disease is reviewed annually and republished as necessary, because it’s important plans of this nature are constantly reviewed in order to be as effective as possible. Therefore, in closing, Acting Deputy Presiding Officer, can I thank the Cabinet Secretary for her statement this afternoon? It’s of critical importance that we get this right and that robust contingency plans are in place should there be an outbreak of an exotic animal disease. I don’t doubt the Welsh Government’s commitment and sincerity on this matter, but there is always more that can be done, and so I look forward to hearing more about the Welsh Government’s action in this area in the Cabinet Secretary’s response.

I thank Paul Davies for his series of questions. Just picking up on your first point regarding the TB eradication programme, I have committed to bringing forward a statement in the autumn on the way forward. We will continue to have a science-led approach and, over the summer, there is a significant amount of work going on in relation to our programme.

I used the example of bluetongue to illustrate that we do have very robust plans in place for dealing with these diseases. You mentioned the increase in the number of cases in France, and that’s why we are monitoring it very carefully. The chief veterinary officer is in constant touch with the other veterinary officers in the UK; she receives a monthly report in respect of these diseases. Obviously, if there is an incursion from infected midges from France, those farms at highest risk are likely to be along the south coast and the south-east of England at the beginning of an outbreak, but our message is that farmers in other parts of the country shouldn’t be complacent, they should remain vigilant for signs of disease, and carefully consider the risk of sourcing animals from outside the UK.

You asked about cost analysis, as did Simon Thomas, sorry, and I didn’t answer that. What I did mention was that vaccination really should be done at the beginning of the year before the weather gets very warm, and I’m not aware if that cost analysis was done at the beginning of the year, but I will certainly write to both Members to clarify those points.

In relation to contingency plans, it’s really important that we do have those robust plans in place, and I’ve had a contingency walkthrough, if you like, of what would happen if we had an outbreak with the chief veterinary officer and her advisers. It is really important that we do include stakeholders such as local authorities and police, et cetera, and, you know, maybe Public Health Wales, for instance, depending on what sorts of outbreak there are as we go through, because they can obviously provide assistance to us.

I’ve been very reassured that all the fora are in place—the resilience, the civil contingency plans are there, in place, should we have such an outbreak. I was very reassured when I looked at the list of notifiable diseases when I came into post that it’s many years since we’ve had some of the specific diseases in Wales. By the increased help with biosecurity with our farmers, we certainly hope to keep that the case.

Joyce Watson took the Chair.

I think the principle of infectious disease control—and this applies to all diseases and this is the message that we give to our livestock keepers and farmers—is that you keep infection out, you find it quickly, you stop it spreading, and, if you do have it, you stamp it out, and that’s certainly the message that we will be taking forward on all of these diseases and our contingency plans.

Okay. Thank you.