Monmouthshire farmers urged to participate in the Badger Found Dead survey

NFU Cymru is reminding members in Monmouthshire to participate in the Welsh Government Badger Found Dead survey which continues to be in operation across Wales.

The call comes after the most recent published figures by Welsh Government show that 725 of badgers found dead were tested in Wales, in the period September 2014 to August 2017. This survey is important so that an accurate picture of the disease in wildlife across Wales can be established.

Ian Williams, Monmouthshire NFU Cymru County Chairman said: “Surveillance is essential in any disease control programme and bovine TB is no different. Bovine TB continues to cause heartache for farming families in the county therefore we strongly encourage our members and the general public to participate in this survey in order to help the Welsh Government to build up an accurate picture of the disease in the region and throughout Wales.

“The Wales Veterinary Science Centre in Aberystwyth has been commissioned by Welsh Government to test for TB in badgers found dead. Those who find a badger carcass are urged to participate in the survey by reporting the location on 08081 695110. Ideally a six figure grid reference is required or a road name or number can be phoned in.”

NFU Cymru continues to lobby Welsh Government and key decision makers about the importance of eradicating this disease from the Welsh cattle population through the implementation of a comprehensive programme of measures which tackles disease in all sources.