23/01/08
CLA Wales, the rural economy expert, welcomes the conclusion of
the report of the Welsh Assembly Government Rural Development Sub-Committee’s
inquiry into bovine TB that a ’holistic approach’ is
required.
Welsh Director Julian Salmon says this conclusion confirms the
CLA’s long held interpretation of the international evidence
that the EU’s policy of eradication cannot be achieved unless
it deals with the disease in both domestic animals and susceptible
wildlife vectors.
"The aim of the policy should be to establish freedom from
this ‘zoonic’ disease in both the economically important
domestic species of cattle, as well as secure healthy wildlife
species", he adds. "This can only be achieved by a combination
of approaches including the targeted culling of domestic and wildlife
reservoirs".
The report says there is a "real link" between bovine
TB in cattle and the disease in wildlife, but it cannot be controlled
and eradicated by one method alone. The Rural Development Sub-Committee’s
inquiry into bovine TB has concluded that only a combination of
increased on farm biosecurity, the understanding and control of
TB in the wildlife population and the speedy and accurate identification
and management of reactors and at risk herds will deal with the
disease.
The Committee’s report makes a number of recommendations,
including the establishment of a pilot area for culling badgers,
and the annual testing of cattle. But the report stresses the importance
of all stakeholders, including farmers and wildlife groups, taking
ownership of the problem.
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