Lesley Griffiths, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The “Wales Animal Health & Welfare Framework - Achieving High Standards Together” sets out the approach we are taking to achieve continued and lasting improvements in standards of animal health and welfare, whilst also protecting public health and making a contribution to the economy and the environment. The Framework also contributes to the seven well-being goals set out in the Well Being of Future Generations Act 2015.
Last July, I published the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Implementation Plan 2016/17, which set out our priorities for the coming 12 months. This Mid Year Review provides an update on progress. The scope of the review is wide, covering the work of both Welsh Government and the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group. Actions include the work to refresh and strengthen our bovine TB Eradication programme, reviewing the animal welfare Codes of Practice as well as our statutory commitments to protect human health and the human food chain. It also provides an update on our contingency planning arrangements in the event of a major disease outbreak, plans which in this period have been actioned to deal with the challenge of H5N8 avian influenza outbreak.
I am grateful to the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group for their continued commitment and support. Their priorities cover biosecurity and antimicrobial resistance as well as supporting the development of an Eradication Scheme for Bovine Viral Diarrhoea in Wales. The Group have also been heavily involved in the work to consider animal health and welfare in the context of EU Exit.
We have made considerable progress across this very broad range of activity. The Mid Year Review demonstrates we can, through applying the principles within the Future Generations Act, work together to ensure Wales achieves the highest standards of animal health and welfare. This work is crucial to support our position as we plan for 2017/18 and the longer term.