Farmers in Pembrokeshire

Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd – in the Senedd at 3:09 pm on 15 September 2021.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 3:09, 15 September 2021

We’ve always looked at this disease holistically, and it’s really important that we work in partnership together with our farmers. It is a dreadful disease and I don’t underestimate the emotional impact it has. And as you say, it has a financial impact, of course, and I’ve spoken to several farmers over the summer on visits around this dreadful disease. As you have just referred to, I will be making a further statement for the next stage of the refreshing of the eradication programme in November. It's good to see that there's been a decrease in new incidents during the most recent 12-month period, and I will continue to do all I can to work with the sector, to try and eradicate this awful disease as quickly as possible. You will have heard me say about the discussions I've had with Glyn Hewinson, and, of course, the vaccination is only one thing that, unfortunately, is still about four years away. But you will be aware of the bespoke action plans that we've had, with the herds that are in long-term breakdown, and we've seen some progress there too.