15 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
MS says government should support Monmouthshire farmers
Bluetongue, a disease spread by midges, affects sheep and cattle but poses no risk to humans.
The new regulations put in place by the Welsh Government will prevent livestock from England from entering Wales.
This move is expected to impact normal trading practices.
Peter Fox, Member of the Senedd for Monmouth, voiced his worries regarding these restrictions.
He said: "These new regulations will cause huge financial problems for farmers, but they will not keep Bluetongue out of Wales.
"We should align with England's restricted zone policy with increased vaccinations to avoid unnecessarily harming the farming community further."
Mr Fox also highlighted the resultant decline in livestock at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, an event hailed as one of Europe's leading agricultural exhibitions.
Further criticism was directed at the Labour Government, with Mr Fox stating: "I am disappointed that once again, Welsh Labour are abandoning our farmers, we need to support farmers in Monmouthshire."
Huw Irranca-Davies, deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, addressed the situation with the disease.
He said: "My goal at this stage remains to keep Bluetongue out of Wales for the benefit of our animals and those who keep them.
"The economic and farmer well-being concerns caused by dealing with severe Bluetongue are first and foremost in my mind."
He also expressed his willingness to review and adapt the current policies, should the situation change.
"Our shared priority over the coming weeks is to promote vaccine take-up," he added.
