Farmers who take TB risks face lower payments
Rebecca Evans: "I have decided to change our legislation to introduce measures which will penalise people who are undertaking risky practices."
Welsh farmers who undertake 'risky' practices that may aid the spread of TB could have their compensation payments reduced, under new rules set to come into force.
The move was announced this week by Rebecca Evans, Welsh deputy minister for farming and food. It follows a recent consultation on proposals to change the Tuberculosis (Wales) Order 2010.
Ms Evans said the proposals are intended to strike a balance between fair compensation of farmers, incentivising the minimisation of risks and penalising risky behaviour.
"After careful consideration I have decided to change our legislation to introduce measures which will penalise people who are undertaking risky practices which can jeopardise the success of the TB eradication programme."
Ms Evans also said she believes the majority of farmers abide by the rules and therefore little will change for them - they will continue to receive full compensation based on market value.
"The new legislation will provide us with the powers to reduce compensation for those people who have broken the rules," she added.
The legislation will be drafted over the coming months, during which time the government will engage with the farming industry on practical issues.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
