THE number of cattle slaughtered because of bovine TB in Wales fell by a third last year, while new cases of the disease also reduced by almost a quarter.

Between December 2012 and November 2013 there was a 23% reduction in new herd incidents of TB, with 880, compared to 1,145 the previous year. In the same period the number of cattle slaughtered for bovine TB control also reduced from 9,364 to 6,275, a reduction of 33%.

In a statement to Assembly Members the minister for natural resources and food spoke of the importance of working in partnership with farmers, the veterinary profession and others in the agricultural industry to reach the shared goal of eradicating Bovine TB in Wales.

Alun Davies said: “Bovine TB is a devastating disease which has a financial and social impact on farmers and the wider community in Wales. We know there is no quick fix to eradicating the disease from Wales. It will take many years and requires the whole industry to work together.

“The first stage of an eradication programme must be to stop the increase of the disease. The latest figures suggest that we have reached this first point.

“I am delighted that overall the figures have come down however we cannot be certain that this is a long term trend and there may still be more fluctuation in the figures.”

Wales is hosting the world mycrobacterium bovis conference in June, when a number of other countries will share their experiences and TB eradication policies. The Welsh Government will also share details of its own eradication programme which includes, tackling all sources of infection and looking at the disease on a regional and National level.

The reduction in Wales compares favourably with GB wide figures which show a 6% reduction in new herd incidents and a 14% reduction in the numbers of cattle slaughtered.