9. Short Debate: Eradicating sheep scab in Wales: the continuing need to have a strong plan in place to eradicate sheep scab in Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:14 pm on 23 June 2021.

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Photo of Samuel Kurtz Samuel Kurtz Conservative 6:14, 23 June 2021

I would like to thank Janet Finch-Saunders for securing this important debate on sheep scab, and I always welcome activity in this place that highlights the difficulties that Welsh farmers face in feeding the nation.

The recent Amazon Prime programme Clarkson's Farm also did an excellent job in highlighting the difficulties that farmers face, as it followed journalist and tv presenter, Jeremy Clarkson in setting up and running his 1,000-acre farm over a 12-month period. Viewers of the programme will know of the anguish that Jeremy Clarkson felt when three of his ewes were struck down by mastitis and were taken to the abattoir, and the sorrow he felt when one of his rams had a sudden and unexpected death due to a twisted intestine. Farmers care deeply about their flock. Sheep scab, along with mastitis and twisted intestine, is yet another difficulty that sheep farmers face in trying to keep their flock healthy. I commend Janet for raising this important issue, and also Jeremy Clarkson for highlighting the life of the farmer in a raw and entertaining way. Diolch.