It is disappointing that some in the low TB area are not following the post-movement testing requirements. This minority risk spoiling it for everyone and must accept their responsibilities in protecting their herd and the wider area. We know from movement and testing data which animals need to be tested and by when, and we are tightening our enforcement protocols to take action where necessary.

In 2018-19, taking account of salvage receipts, the Welsh Government has paid over £14 million in TB compensation to farmers. This is unsustainable to the public purse and, coupled with the loss of EU funding post Brexit, emphasises the need for a fair compensation regime for the farmer and taxpayer. I therefore feel it is an appropriate time to review the current arrangements. Any new regime will drive good farming practice whilst discouraging bad practice.

On a more positive note, there are some excellent examples of co-operative working taking place, and this model will enable us to succeed. We have engaged with a group of farmers and vets on the Gower, who plan to deliver badger vaccination alongside cattle control measures in order to eradicate TB from the area.

We are working collaboratively in the intermediate TB area north in response to a developing disease situation. A strengthened contiguous testing regime is now in place here and, to support TB-free herds, veterinary 'keep it out' visits are available through the Cymorth TB programme. I would encourage all farmers in this area to take advantage of a free visit by their own vet to discuss what they can do to protect their herd from TB.

It is worth pointing out that one in three confirmed TB breakdowns in high TB areas and eight in 10 in the low TB area are primarily attributable to cattle movements. These statistics speak for themselves: some TB breakdowns can be prevented if farmers source stock more carefully. With careful consideration of the TB test history of prospective purchases, a farmer can minimise the risk of bringing disease into their herd.

We are continuously strengthening our approach to TB eradication, aiming to balance control measures with farm business sustainability—for example, expanding our portfolio of available TB tests, working with vets to improve the TB diagnostics available to us.

A key commitment in the refreshed programme introduced a formal approach to tackling persistent TB herd breakdowns. Bespoke action plans, containing enhanced measures to eradicate the disease, are put in place in herds that have been under TB restrictions for 18 months or more. By the end of December, 59 action plans had been implemented in persistent TB breakdowns and 21 herds with an action plan in place had restrictions lifted.

Another facet of the action plan process is the testing and removal of test-positive badgers. This takes place in selected herds where evidence suggests badgers are contributing to the persistence of disease. A report on last year's field work is currently being finalised and will be available shortly. Preparatory work on the third year of operations is well under way. Understanding the TB picture in wildlife is important and I would remind everyone to report badgers found dead to inform the all-Wales badger found dead survey.

I have seen the devastation a TB breakdown can bring to a farming family and business. The slaughter of TB reactors on farm, although sometimes unavoidable, can be particularly distressing to witness. I have listened to concerns raised by the industry about this matter, and officials are currently looking at ways we can reduce the instances when TB reactors need to be shot on farm. If there are ways we can make this situation any easier for those affected, I am keen to explore them. I will provide a further update on progress in the coming months.

As part of our long-term strategy, we are supporting the creation of the bovine TB centre of excellence in Aberystwyth, led by esteemed Professor Glyn Hewinson. Close linkages between the centre and our programme are being developed.

The last 18 months have been a period of progressive change for the TB eradication programme, and utilising and learning from new technology will be important going forward. However, I cannot over-emphasise the value of collaboration when it comes to TB eradication, and each of us has a role to play. By working together in partnership, with a single purpose, we will stamp out this disease. Diolch.