Welsh Government defends bluetongue strategy

THE Welsh Government has defended its “control and contain” strategy for bluetongue, with four confirmed cases highlighting the financial turmoil already hitting livestock markets.

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Huw Irranca-Davies said four premises where bluetongue has been confirmed have been placed under restrictions as investigations on the source and spread of the disease continue.

The Deputy First Minister and Rural Affairs Secretary told the Senedd that appropriate local control zones will be declared, if required, and compensation will be paid for culled animals.

The first two cases of the year were confirmed in Powys and Monmouthshire on Monday but the minister confirmed in the Senedd yesterday the number has now risen to four.

Samuel Kurtz, the Tory shadow rural affairs secretary, pressed his opposite number about efforts to contain the disease as well as support farmers and livestock markets.

Mr Kurtz, who is from a farming family, warned: “This is a serious concern for our farming industry,” as he called for support to help farmers with the costs of vaccination.