4. 4. Debate by Individual Members under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Bovine TB

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:42 pm on 28 September 2016.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 3:42, 28 September 2016

In relation to the vaccination, I was going to say, in response to something that Neil Hamilton said, just because we don’t have a vaccine supply, it doesn’t mean that we don’t have a policy—of course we have a policy and the majority of that, rightly so, is around cattle control measures. I don’t know what crystal ball Neil Hamilton has, but he came up with the date of 2023 and that we won’t be able to get access to vaccination until that time. We know we won’t get it next year, but we don’t have a date as to when we will get that vaccine.

So, we continue to build on the programme, which, as I have highlighted, has seen a reduction in incidence and, more importantly, a reduction in the number of farms under restrictions. However, I do appreciate that we can learn valuable lessons from other countries fighting TB. And, as I said in response to Huw Irranca-Davies, my officials do have very close working relationships with their counterparts in other parts of the UK, and also with colleagues right across the world, including in countries such as New Zealand, to make the best use of the new and innovative approaches to the issue.

I firmly believe that, in Wales, we are leading the way in many aspects and that our approach to date has been proportionate and is striking a good balance between business continuity and disease eradication.

So, in conclusion, Presiding Officer, I want no-one to make any mistake—that TB eradication will rely on the industry, the veterinary profession and Government working and sharing that burden together. I believe that the new measures that I will be announcing next month will put us in a stronger position going forward and will ensure that we continue to make progress towards a TB-free Wales. Diolch.