Improved Approach to Detecting Animal Disease
UK - NFU Cymru is pleased that the needs of Wales have been recognised by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) with regards to its new approach to scanning surveillance for new and re-emerging animal diseases.
6 December 2013
1 minute read
There was concern that as part of this review AHVLA activity would reduce significantly in Wales. NFU Cymru over the past two years has repeatedly raised these concerns to AHVLA officials and NFU Cymru Deputy President, Stephen James, also provided evidence to the House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee on this issue some two years ago.
The new system will see the AHVLA laboratory at Carmarthen developed into a centre of expertise for extensive livestock production. Welsh Government will also explore with Aberystwyth University the possibility for alternative diagnostic post mortem examination and laboratory testing facilities at the current Aberystwyth site.
Mr James said, "Given the importance of extensive livestock production to Welsh agriculture I am pleased to hear that the facilities in Carmarthen will be able to specialise in this area of work. I also welcome the news that Welsh Government and AHVLA will work together to secure arrangements that will improve the services that it can offer to mid and west Wales.
"A key principle for us has been to ensure that farmers wherever they are located have the same level of service from AHVLA. We would hope that by joint working between Welsh Government, AHVLA, Aberystwyth and Liverpool Universities that this will now be achieved."
TheCattleSite News Desk
