What consideration has the Welsh Government given to permitting or requiring the destruction of bovine tuberculosis reactor cattle off farm, In the interests of the mental health and wellbeing of agricultural workers?
Answered by Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd | Answered on 06/12/2021
The slaughter of the majority of TB reactors is undertaken in an abattoir. Whilst we recognise it can be distressing for keepers to have their cattle slaughtered on farm, there are a number of circumstances where this is unavoidable because it is either not possible for animals to be transported to an abattoir or to be slaughtered in an abattoir. For example:
- If animals have been medicated or are in a medicine withdrawal period and cannot be slaughtered in an abattoir due to Food Standards Agency guidelines.
- If cows are heavily in calf or have recently calved and they are therefore unfit for transport to an abattoir.
- If animals are unfit to be transported to an abattoir for welfare reasons, such as injury.