Lib Dems Demand Urgent Action on Bluetongue Border Crisis

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have demanded urgent action to support farmers in Powys and across the Welsh marches, as new Welsh Government rules on livestock movement threaten to place a major strain on local farmers and the rural economy.

From 1 July, new restrictions will require livestock moving from England into Wales to undergo pre-movement testing, costing farmers an estimated £70 per animal. Even animals that have been vaccinated against bluetongue will not be exempt from the testing regime.

The rules are expected to impact the thousands of farms that operate across the England-Wales border. Livestock markets such as Builth, Prestige and Welshpool are also set to be massively hit by the rules.

Concerns have also been raised over whether the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has sufficient testing capacity to meet demand, with the risk that some farmers may not be able to move their animals at all.

In Westminster on Thursday, David Chadwick MP questioned the UK Government EFRA Minister about how it plans to prevent a de facto veterinary hard border between England and Wales and protect cross-border farms from economic harm.

Chadwick warned that the cost of testing “is a devastating burden our local farmers cannot afford to take on at a time they are already under such significant financial pressure”.

While acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, the Minister declined to commit to additional support, citing devolved powers. David Chadwick MP will meet with Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales Dame Nia Griffith next week to discuss the crisis in more detail.

In the Senedd, Jane Dodds raised the impact the policy is having on farmers’ mental health, and urged the Welsh Government to work more closely together with a focus on vaccination over an unworkable testing and licensing scheme.

Both representatives are calling for a joined-up, four-nation response to bluetongue, including surge funding for testing and vaccination.

Commenting, Lib Dem MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick said:

“These sudden and costly changes risk devastating farmers and livestock markets right the way along the border.

“Cross-border movement is essential to how agriculture works in this region, it’s not optional. If nothing changes, this will do serious damage to rural livelihoods and the local economy.

“We need urgent coordination between the Welsh and UK Governments to ease the burden and protect our farms.”

Adding her comments Lib Dem Senedd Member for Mid & West Wales Jane Dodds said:

“I’ve spoken with farmers, vets, and local markets  and the message is clear, the current plan is unworkable.

“Testing is costly, slow, and does nothing to support already stressed farm communities.

“Vaccination must be at the heart of our response. We need a united approach between both Cardiff and London that puts farmers’ wellbeing and practical realities first.”

ENDS