Bovine TB Supplementary Works

Building on the success of both the Pembrokeshire Project and the North Wales Project Rural Investment Scheme (RIS) funding has been provided to take forward supplementary works in these areas. The lead or the Bovine TB Supplementary works will be Mentera.

Evidence has been provided from the Pembrokeshire and North Wales Projects to prove that this type of work can only be taken forward by the Veterinary Delivery Partners (VDP) and Iechyd Da in the South and Mentera in this case are the only company who works in alignment with all the veterinary practices across Wales. There is absence of competition (a)due to an absence of competition for technical reasons, only a particular supplier can supply the goods, services or works required, and (b)there are no reasonable alternatives to those goods, services or works. bTB training for vets, Approved Tuberculin Testers (ATT) and farmers: Providing accessible bTB training with reference to different TB regions of Wales; building on project specific training from the Pembrokeshire & North Wales projects.

Developing a framework for a successor to Cymorth TB. Identifying & engaging with groups within the projects including ATTs & young farmers and encompassing the industry as a whole.

WGS of local bTB investigations: Enhanced Whole Genome Sequencing investigations in support of local epidemiological investigations into herd breakdowns & local risk. Developing closer working between APHA & Aberystwyth University bTB epidemiology expertise.

Understand badger populations for bTB risk; Badger population estimations & local population structure investigations will add value to the Wales Badger Found Dead surveillance disease prevalence estimations and support a more holistic approach to bTB risk management. Supporting more research into badger population genetics at a local level to improve understanding of differences between populations confined within geographical boundaries.

Communicate bTB risks from movements: Communicating bTB risks from cattle movements in support of the "keep-it-out" strategy. Illustrating numbers, frequency & intensity of cattle movements to improve messages around risks.

The total cost for delivery of the above will be £200,000 for the financial year 2025/26 for the duration of 1 year. The above funding will be used towards the strategic approach of the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO): to combat the rising tide of threats to animal health & welfare, ecosystems and society.