Diolch, Llywydd. Today, I am giving my annual update on progress of our TB eradication programme. It is four years since the launch of the regionalised approach and we have continually refined our policies, particularly with regard to the changing disease picture. I am also announcing a 12-week consultation on a refreshed TB eradication programme. We have seen good progress since our programme was first established, with long-term decreases in incidence and prevalence. The 48 per cent decrease in new TB incidents since 2009 demonstrates that our programme is making a real difference to farming families and businesses.

Unfortunately, we are currently tackling spikes in disease in north Wales's intermediate TB area north, and low TB area, by implementing enhanced measures. On 1 November, herds located in hotspots in Denbighshire and the Conwy valley were assigned intermediate TB area north status. This will require pre-movement testing, a key risk-reduction measure to stop disease spreading. Additional testing around breakdown herds is also now required, with veterinary 'keep it out' visits available to contiguous herds testing clear in these hotspots, and the small cluster around Pennal, with further measures in train.

In response to changes in milk contracts, we allowed the establishment of orange markets and rearing approved finishing units, giving farmers outlets for surplus dairy calves. Having received many representations from farmers wanting these outlets, it is disappointing to see low use. I would encourage the industry to consider setting up more to maximise their potential.

A key aim of our programme is the rapid, accurate, early identification of infection. We strive to improve TB diagnostics, embracing new research and being open to new validated tests. In collaboration with our programme board and Aberystwyth University, we are considering the future of TB diagnostics. We are seeking views in the consultation on testing protocols, initially in relation to the pre-movement test, to minimise the risk of moving infected cattle.

Learning from experiences in north Wales, we have a toolkit of measures ready to deploy in hotspot areas if required, to assertively tackle spikes in disease. In the new year, we are strengthening our TB breakdown controls across Wales, and keepers will receive further information beforehand.

Whilst we consider testing arrangements, we recognise the resourcing challenges being faced by the veterinary profession. In response, I am commissioning a review of the options to supplement our veterinary capacity for TB testing through greater use of appropriately trained and supervised paraprofessional staff.

Eight in 10 confirmed breakdowns in the low TB area are primarily attributable to cattle movements. Building on our earlier funding to markets, we continue to urge keepers to take account of TB information when purchasing cattle. We understand not all keepers are offering such information, as demonstrated by the large number of high-risk movements during 2020. We also encourage membership of accreditation schemes, such as TB CHeCS, to promote herd health and give assurance to prospective purchasers.

In 2019, I announced a review of payments made to farmers for cattle slaughtered because of TB. This followed continued year-on-year overspends against the budget, loss of EU income and the need to encourage good farming practice. Options reviewed by the programme board are included in the consultation, and I urge farmers to respond.

A new task and finish group will consider the best ways of communicating with cattle keepers to help them protect their herds, and also throughout a TB breakdown. They will consider the potential role of TB champions in Wales. Farming and veterinary organisations have been approached to nominate members for this group, and I look forward to seeing their recommendations.

I will be phasing out the badger trap-and-test work in persistent herd breakdowns from this year. From an epidemiological perspective, the small sample size and short follow-up period provide limited meaningful results to gauge the impact of interventions on cattle TB. Work will be completed on existing farms, but new ones will not be recruited.

I am keen to explore further the contribution badger vaccination can make to our programme, assessing the most appropriate, cost effective deployment of the badger BCG vaccine. Badger vaccination has been part of our programme since 2012, first deployed in the intensive action area as part of a suite of measures. This has resulted in significant and sustained annual reductions in incidence and prevalence in the IAA. From 2014, we have supported private badger vaccination through a grant and part funded the industry-led initiative on the Gower peninsular. I congratulate Cefn Gwlad Solutions, which has undertaken a huge amount of work to successfully deliver this project.

Funding saved from phasing out the badger trap-and-test work will allow us to build on vaccination efforts, and I welcome the interest shown already in taking forward private projects. I am initially making an additional £100,000 available for expanding badger vaccination across Wales through the grant scheme. I also intend to continue the all-Wales badger-found-dead survey to increase our knowledge on the disease in badgers.

We continue supporting the development of a deployable cattle TB vaccine, with a test to differentiate infected from vaccinated animals to be in place by 2025. It is disappointing no Welsh farms are participating in the trials as yet, and I would encourage interest from the low TB area. Cattle vaccination has the potential to become a powerful tool in the battle against the disease, and we are engaging with the TB centre of excellence to plan its most appropriate deployment in Wales.

Collaboration and partnership working, taking ownership and recognising we all have a role to play are key to the success of our programme. Bovine TB has a devastating impact on the farming industry, with a huge emotional cost. We must do all we can to protect our cattle herds from this disease. I look forward to hearing your views on a refreshed TB eradication programme.