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.