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Badger vaccination underway
Welsh Environment Minister confirms developments

John Griffiths, the Welsh Government’s Environment Minister, has confirmed that badger vaccination in North Pembrokeshire is underway, following his announcement in March of plans to embark on a badger vaccination programme within the Intensive Action Area in order to eradicate bovine TB in Wales.

Monday saw the vaccination programme officially begin in West Wales, it will continue throughout the summer and into early autumn. Over 275 badgers have been successfully trapped and vaccinated against TB so far. This is the first time that a project to cage trap and vaccinate badgers on such a scale has been undertaken.

The programme concentrates its efforts in the Intensive Action Area, primarily located in north Pembrokeshire, but includes small parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. It covers approximately 288 square kilometres.

Mr Griffiths explained: “Our decision to pursue a vaccination programme has enabled us to take quick and decisive action aimed at developing a degree of immunity to TB within the badger population. We believe that this will reduce the risk of TB transmission from badgers to cattle.”

He concluded: “I would like to thank farmers and landowners for their co-operation. We will be monitoring the results of vaccination, and of our whole eradication programme, carefully to ensure we are making good progress towards our ultimate goal of a TB-free Wales.”

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.