Bovine TB Technical Advisory Group for Wales: meeting 17 April 2024

Glyn Hewinson - chair 
Dai Grove-White - member
Gareth Edwards - member
Gareth Enticott - member
Gwenllian Rees - member
Ifan Lloyd - member
Keith Cutler - member
Robert Smith - member
Sarah Tomlinson -  member
Sarah Woollatt - member

Welsh Government Attendees: 

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales
Head of bTB Eradication Programme
bTB Policy Lead
Secretariat

Guest speakers

National Farmers Union Cymru
Farmers’ Union of Wales
Animal and Plant Health Agency

Chair welcomed members to the meeting and thanked them for giving up their time and expertise. 

Chair reminded the group of:

• confidentiality
• the independent nature of the group

Chief Veterinary Officer, Richard Irvine welcomed members.

Huw Irranca-Davies welcomed members, stressed the importance of the work they do and confirmed they have his full support. 

Members introduced themselves to each other and the Cabinet Secretary.

The Chief Veterinary Officer and Chair provided background on the establishment of the Technical Advisory Group and its important role.

Members discussed the terms of reference, and an agreed draft will be circulated for final approval by the Technical Advisory Group.

Future meetings:

Monday 17 June 

Wednesday 9 October

Members considered the locations of future meetings. 

Members declared any conflicts of interest. 

Chair gave members background of on-farm slaughter and proposed advice should take into account the following:

• timescales for implementation
• deliverability
• risk and risk mitigation.
• unintended consequences
• evidence of impact (epidemiological and social). 

Chair introduced Welsh Government bTB policy lead.

bTB Policy Lead presented the paper to the members, highlighting key points such as:

• reasons for on-farm slaughter.
• distress experienced by farmers and families.
• consultation with industry and other devolved governments.
• Welsh Government policy background.
• delivery of current policy.

Members discussed.

Representatives from National Farmers Union Cymru presented their options for changes to on-farm slaughter policy for bTB reactors. 

Their options were:

• options to delay slaughter
• additional resource to assist during on-farm slaughter
• increased flexibility
• central removal
• communications around withdrawal periods

Members had the opportunity for a questions and answer session following the presentation of options.

Chair thanked the National Farmers Union Cymru and emphasised the importance of farmer contributions to the Technical Advisory Group’s considerations. 

A representative of the FUW presented their options for reducing the number of cattle slaughtered on farm following a bTB breakdown. 

Their options were:

• parity with England on the rules for heavily pregnant cattle
• greater assistance with the slaughter process
• arrange routine testing to avoid periods of block calving
• minimising (impact of) withdrawal periods
• alternative locations

Members had the opportunity for a questions and answer session following the presentation of options.

Chair thanked FUW and emphasised the importance of farmer contributions to the Technical Advisory Group’s considerations. 

A representative of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) presented to members on delivery aspects of current bTB policies which included:

• what works well
• challenges and issues
• delivery considerations

During questions and answers with members the representative addressed delivery implications of the options put forward by the farming unions. 

No further evidence received. 

Members agreed they did not need to hear any further evidence or perspectives to help make a decision.

Members discussed the options put forward by the farming unions in the context of:

• timescales for implementation
• deliverability
• risk and risk mitigation
• unintended consequences
• evidence of impact (social and scientific)

Members will produce a paper based on the discussions and present advice to the Chief Veterinary Officer and then to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs for consideration.

Members discussed future plans for public engagement. 

Chief Veterinary Officer and Chair thanked members and closed the meeting. 

Date of next meeting: 

Monday 17 June 2024