Bovine TB

TB is on the increase in Wales. Nearly 12,000 cattle were slaughtered because of the disease in 2009, compared to less than 700 in 1997.

The cost to the taxpayer in compensation to cattle keepers has increased dramatically over the past ten years and since 2000 over £100 million has been spent on compensation alone.

It has a significant impact on agricultural production.  This can have an effect on our food supplies and our rural communities.

Cattle and badgers are the main sources of bovine TB in the UK but it can be transmitted to other mammals and importantly, also to humans.

We have set up a comprehensive TB Eradication Programme aimed at tackling all sources of the infection. This programme has been overseen by a TB Eradication Board comprising veterinary, farming and scientific advisors. It has drawn on the advice of a Technical Advisory Group, comprising a range of experts.

There are nine component parts to the programme. The largest element of the  programme is dealing with the disease in cattle. Cattle are now being tested more often and we have stricter animal movement rules in place.  

We have also established an Intensive Action Pilot Area in west Wales.

If you cannot find an answer to your question on this site, please contact us on: bovinetb.comms@wales.gsi.gov.uk