What discussions has the Welsh Government had with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society about bluetongue disease?
There has been extensive stakeholder engagement on bluetongue disease. I held a bluetongue roundtable meeting with senior representatives of the livestock and veterinary sectors on 5 June to hear their views. The Chief Veterinary Officer chaired the latest in a long series of stakeholder workshops on bluetongue on 28 May. Input from the livestock and veterinary sectors was carefully considered before I announced my decision on a proportionate approach to bluetongue control on 12 June.
Given the uncertainty about the severity of the disease in livestock dense countries like Wales and the impact of bluetongue on herd and flock productivity and fertility, it is not feasible to conduct an economic impact assessment.