Written - Consultation on the Tuberculosis Eradication (Wales) Order 2009 under the Animal Health Act 1981

I would like to inform Assembly Members that the consultation on the proposed Tuberculosis Eradication (Wales) Order 2009 under the Animal Health Act 1981 begins today.

Last month I announced to members that, based on comprehensive evidence, I am of the view that a cull of badgers is necessary, alongside additional cattle disease control measures, within an Intensive Action Pilot Area to deal with infection in cattle and badgers. North Pembrokeshire is the preferred location for the IAPA.

In order to allow the Welsh Assembly Government to manage a badger cull and to gain powers of entry to vaccinate badgers in the future, legislation under the Animal Health Act 1981 is needed.

The aim of this consultation is to seek the views of interested parties and members of the public on this draft Order.