Bluetongue curbs will hit local farmers, says Millar

WELSH TORY LEADER SAYS WE SHOULD ALIGN WITH ENGLAND POLICY

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DARREN Millar, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Member of the Welsh Parliament for Clwyd West, has expressed concern that the Welsh Government's response to the outbreak of bluetongue in livestock will cause chaos in Wales.

Bluetongue is spread by midges and affects livestock, including sheep and cattle. It can kill animals but causes no threat to human health.

Rules introduced last month to prevent the spread of the livestock disease mean that cattle, sheep and goats need to test negative before they can be transported across the border from England to Wales.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, which is recognised as one of the most significant agricultural shows in Europe, is facing a significant cut in livestock this year with no livestock from England and Scotland being allowed entry. Other more local shows, such as the Denbigh and Flint Agricultural Show, could also face similar consequences.

Darren Millar is concerned about the impact of the restrictions on farmers in Clwyd West, following on from the devastating family farm tax proposed by the UK Labour Government last year.

Mr Millar said: "These new regulations will cause huge financial problems for farmers, but they will not keep bluetongue out of Wales.

"We should align with England's restricted zone policy with increased vaccinations to avoid unnecessarily harming the farming community further.