NFU Cymru has praised the creation of a new Welsh Government Bovine TB Programme Board.

The board, announced by the Cabinet Secretary for climate change and rural affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, on August 12, will oversee and provide guidance for the government's TB eradication programme.

It will bring together representation from farmers and veterinary professionals, including a seat designated for the National Farmers' Union (NFU) Cymru.

Aled Jones, NFU Cymru president said, "It is welcome news that the Cabinet Secretary has appointed the Bovine TB Programme Board and following the appointment of the Bovine TB Technical Advisory Group (TAG) earlier in the year, the Programme Board is the final important piece in the governance structure for Welsh Government’s TB policy.

"It is positive to see strong farmer and veterinary representation around the table, as it is farming families and their own private farm vets who are at the front line of dealing with this dreadful disease so their views on future TB policy are vital."

He stressed the critical role the new board will play, saying: "The Programme Board has incredibly important work to do in driving forward a route to eradication of this terrible disease, something the future generations of cattle farmers in Wales depend on.

"In the period from April 2023 to March 2024, over 11,000 cattle were slaughtered because of bovine TB in Wales, a sobering statistic that we cannot allow to continue.

"In this respect, NFU Cymru continue to call for a comprehensive disease eradication strategy that tackles this disease wherever it exists."

Mr Jones also made clear the NFU Cymru’s commitment to full involvement in the board’s work.

He said: "Three years ago, the NFU Cymru TB Focus Group was formed to help inform our views on TB policy and to identify where improvements could be made to policy without risking disease control.

"We stand ready to use our seat on the Programme Board to take forward the views of our membership to the board, whether those views be from farmers where TB is present on the farm or is threatening at the door."