The National Sheep Association (NSA) has expressed its disappointment following the announcement, from the Welsh Government, that Wales will not join England in creating one large bluetongue (BTV) restriction zone (RZ).
Several farming industry bodies had called for Wales to become part of the larger English RZ, from July 1, to enable free movements across the Welsh/England border.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “The Welsh Government’s aim is to keep BTV out of Wales, but this decision will create real disruption for farmers in both England and Wales.”
The announcement also means that from Friday (June 20), any animals moving from the current RZ in England into Wales will need to be pre-movement tested and then from Tuesday, July 1, any sheep (and goats and cows) moving from anywhere in England into Wales to live will need to be pre-movement tested.
Mr Stocker continued: “From July 1, the Government financial support to cover the cost of pre-movement testing will also end meaning a significant cost of between £60 and £70 per head will have to be borne by farmers needing to test.
“There is also still only one laboratory able to carry out the BTV tests which could also create problems for farmers waiting for results. NSA can foresee this will result in very few animals being able to move to live across the border into Wales.”
A further complication from the new restrictions will mean that from July 1, abattoirs in Wales will need to become designated abattoirs to take any sheep from England and will also need to re-implement the controls that go along with that designation.
“This will have a massive impact on markets, shows and sales,” Mr Stocker said.
“Any animal being moved from England from July to a Welsh market would need to be pre-movement tested. Markets, shows and sales in England will be free to take animals from farmers in Wales but farmers will need to be aware that if there is a possibility they might want to return to Wales with them or if they are bought by someone else wanting to return them to Wales, they will need a pre-movement test before being taken back.”
Wales has confirmed it is happy for animals to be moved from Scotland to Wales through England from July 1, as long as there are no stops made by the transporter in England, except for emergencies.
NSA Cymru/Wales region development officer Helen Roberts added: “It is disappointing that the Welsh Government has not listened to our repeated calls to align with England and join the RZ on July 1.
“We are fully aware keeping a disease out and ensuring high levels of biosecurity is a priority but in this case the disease is spread by a midge that will not respect the border between England and Wales.
“This decision will have a huge impact on the whole industry but especially on sheep movements and the impending breeding sales for both rams and ewes, cross border farms and livestock markets will be severely affected by these changes.”
