Ceredigion AM Elin Jones has welcomed news that the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will continue to employ local vets to conduct on-farm TB testing.

There had been fears that the system would be centralised, but this week APHA announced that it had contracted two consortia of veterinary surgeons to undertake work on its behalf. The consortia are led by Menter a Busnes (for north Wales) and Iechyd Da Gwledig Ltd. (south).

Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru AM for Ceredigion, said: “This is good news for farmers, and for the continuing efforts to eradicate TB in cattle. Veterinary practices have close relationships with farmers in their areas; this will now continue, enabling vets to give the best possible advice on reducing the risk of spreading TB.

“Local vets have the best knowledge of the TB situation in their localities. I’m delighted that the Welsh Government has seen the sense in retaining their expertise. The regime of testing is a major undertaking; farmers can now be reassured that there will be continuity in the system.”