New bluetongue rules 'impossible burden' on farmers
MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, Steve Witherden, said that he is concerned about the potential spread of the disease but that it could not be at the cost of farmers who cross the Wales-England border.
The new rules would require sheep crossing into Wales to be tested for the blue tongue virus, regardless of whether they are vaccinated, which can cost anywhere from £40-£70 per animal.
This could lead to huge bills with one farmer telling the County Times that it would cost him as much as £25,000 to move his flock.
According to NFU Cymru, over 550 farms lie in both England and Wales, with many of them being in Powys, whose eastern edge makes up about half of the 160-mile border between the two countries.
'I am deeply concerned about the potential spread of bluetongue and believe we need a workable solution to contain its spread, and protect livestock and farmers,' said Mr Witherden.
'I realise that there are a great many aspects of the management of this disease to consider by DEFRA and Welsh Government, but the rules they collectively impose must not make farming life impossible for farmers with cross border farms.
'Is it really sensible that a farmer has to test an animal because it moves from one field to another on their farm, when that field border is the Welsh/English border?'
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Mr Witherden said he would be 'strongly encouraging Welsh Government and DEFRA to reach a sensible and workable solution for both cross border farms and for transporting animals where the road passes from Wales'.
He added: 'I am continuing to stay in regular contact with the FUW, NFU Cymru and NFU in London. I will be listening to concerns and pressing for sensible and affordable solutions to help farmers deal with the practical reality of cross border farms and the costs and rules associated with testing.
'We also need fast access to inoculation for livestock.
'It is paramount that we have a practical set of clear and well communicated rules and that we take all the precautions necessary to ensure that this disease does not spread.'
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