Now that Welsh Labour Government’s Policy on Bluetongue has come into force, Welsh farmers moving livestock from England into Wales will be required to apply for licences and face pre-movement tests of up to £70 per animal.
James Evans MS for Brecon & Radnorshire has been very vocal in his criticism of Welsh Labour Government decision not to align with England’s bluetongue strategy from the 1st July. James has repeatedly warned Welsh Government that their approach is causing disruption, delays and additional costs on the farming community and on local livestock markets and disrupting supply chains. Concerns have been raised about the welfare of animals in England that may need to be moved quickly because of force majeures like flooding, yet to date, no answers have been forthcoming on how to deal with such emergencies.
This policy sits solely with the Welsh Labour Government in Cardiff Bay. James Evans MS has continued his calls for Welsh Labour to align with its own UK Labour run DEFRA department policy on Bluetongue.
James Evans MS raised this again in the Senedd Chamber on Tuesday 1st July to voice the concerns he has received from the local farming community.
James Evans MS said:
“There are still no answers on how farmers can move livestock in the event of extreme weather events. The Deputy First Minister promised to sort it, but we are still waiting. Many local farmers have land in England, or sheep on tack – they need to know what would happen in times of emergency like flooding and how stock could be moved quickly in such circumstances. We are still in the dark on this.
“The Trefnydd, Jane Hutt MS responded to my statement by saying this policy is ‘in partnership with the Agricultural and Veterinary sectors’. This is not the case as these sectors are clearly saying this policy will not work!
“Having different policies in border areas is causing chaos and confusion. Bluetongue is spread by midges not from animal to animal contact. Welsh Government should be align with England and put their efforts into actively increasing livestock vaccinations and supporting farmers against this devastating disease."
