Written question WQ87703
- Asked by
- Samuel KurtzConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
What assessment has the Minister made of the risk of spreading slurry from TB-restricted farms near, or next to, farms that are officially TB free?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
Previous studies have shown Mbovis is able to survive for 6 months in slurry under certain conditions, although the results of recent research suggest that the risk of spreading TB through slurry is lower than reported in some historical literature.
However, I fully recognise a measure of risk remains, and will maintain the policy of providing clear written instruction to keepers of restricted cattle that manure and slurry must not be removed to other farms without prior written authorisation, and they manage, store and spread slurry and manure in ways which minimise risk of transmission to their own cattle and to neighbouring herds.
General advice can be found on: TB hub - Bovine TB Advice & Tuberculosis Information for Cattle Farmers