TB fight in Wales shows little progress
© Tim Scrivener Wales is failing to make meaningful headway in eradicating bovine TB, according to a damning position paper from the Bovine TB Programme Board.
The board’s data (opens in PDF) shows that since 2013, herd prevalence – the percentage of herds with active bovine TB cases – has remained stubbornly between 5-6%, while regional herd incidence shows little improvement.
NFU Cymru has endorsed recommendations from the independent expert group advising the Welsh government and is calling for a “step change” in strategy.
See also: Vet calls for changes as bovine TB cases rise in Wales
NFU Cymru president Abi Reader said: “While it is encouraging that the statistics show the number of new breakdowns has fallen, we cannot lose sight of the number of farms which are operating under TB restrictions.
“There were 12,493 animals slaughtered because of the disease in the year ending September 2025 and farming families continue to suffer because of this disease.”
Ms Reader noted that current modelling from the TB board indicates Wales will not meet its target to be officially TB-free by 2041.
She said: “For the farmers and their families who are dealing with TB on a daily basis, 2041 feels like a long time away and the fact the modelling suggests we will not meet this target, is further evidence that the current approach is not working.”
Plaid Cymru also condemned the slow progress. Agriculture spokesman Llyr Gruffydd MS said: “This is a damning assessment of Labour’s failure to tackle bovine TB.
“Not only do we now have confirmation that Labour will miss its target of eradicating the disease by 2041, but at this trajectory, Wales will not be TB free until at least the 2050s.
“Another missed target by a failing Labour government.”
‘Partnership needed’
However, deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies defended the Welsh government’s approach.
He highlighted long-term declines in new TB herd incidents and the introduction of more sensitive testing, as well as policy changes such as delayed slaughter and restrictions on inconclusive reactors.
“The path to a TB‑free Wales is challenging, ambitious and long term, but the direction of travel is clear. Wales’ success ultimately depends on partnership: TB eradication cannot be achieved by government alone,” he said.
The Bovine TB Programme Board called for a “comprehensive strategy based on scientific evidence”, addressing the disease across cattle, wildlife and people.
NFU Cymru warned that without an urgent policy shift, Wales risks missing the 2041 TB-free target by decades – leaving farmers and the rural economy at continued risk.
Reflecting on the run-up to the Welsh Senedd elections in May, Ms Reader said: “It is crucial that candidates and all political parties fully understand the impact this dreadful disease continues to have on our members and the wider rural community.”