Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Members will recall my statement in June where I set out my plans to enhance the TB eradication programme in Wales, and 1 October marked the start of an enhanced approach to TB eradication—one that has proved successful in other countries that have either eradicated this disease, or are well on their way to doing so.

This regionalised approach to disease eradication, with the creation of low, intermediate and high TB areas across Wales, enables us to deal differently and proportionately with the disease in each of our TB areas on a targeted basis, depending on the local disease risks and drivers. This approach also enables us to focus our efforts on protecting and expanding the low TB area and driving down disease and reducing the size of the intermediate and high TB areas.

In June, I launched our enhanced TB eradication programme and first delivery plan, which provides details of evidence-based controls that are being applied in each region from this week. All cattle keepers in Wales have been advised by letter of the TB area in which their farm is located, and my officials have undertaken a full programme of engagement with key stakeholders, including farmers, vets, auctioneers and valuers.