Bovine TB Technical Advisory Group for Wales: 29 January 2026

Glyn Hewinson: Chair
Dai Grove-White
Gareth Edwards 
Gareth Enticott
Gwenllian Rees
Ifan Lloyd 
Robert Smith
Sarah Tomlinson 
Sarah Woollatt 
Richard Irvine
Secretariat 

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) observers
Bovine TB Eradication Programme Board Chair
Representative from Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW)
Representative from Iechyd Da and Pembrokeshire Project
Representative from Mentera
Representative from National Farmers Union (NFU) Cymru 
Welsh Government officials

The Chair and Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) welcomed members to the meeting. The Chair also formally welcomed the new Secretariat to members and the wider group. 

Members declared any conflicts of interest they had with the topics to be discussed. No additional conflicts of interest were declared.

The key issues raised by NFU Cymru on behalf of their members were regarding TB breakdown management, support schemes, and future policy options.

Key points included: 

• there is strong support from members for risk based testing and better use of data tools to tailor controls rather than relying on a uniform approach
• stakeholders express broad support for cattle BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccination, provided it is implemented alongside risk-based testing
• the NFU Cymru representative recommended developing policy focused on risk‑based approaches, improved support schemes, strengthened veterinary capacity, and exploring managed transition pathways for long‑term restricted herds

The Chair thanked the NFU Cymru representative for their time and contribution to the discussion. 

The representative from Iechyd Da and the Pembrokeshire Project presented their findings from the paper previously shared with the group.

Key points included:

• enhanced management should give farmers greater control over removing high risk animals, supporting continuity and encouraging proactive decision making. The risk-rate approach improves understanding of TB risk beyond skin test results
• members supported creating a clearer, joint communication framework across the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), delivery partners, and farms
• strong support was expressed for Welsh access to Information bTB (ibTB) equivalent data i.e. animal level data. Legislative change is required and cannot progress before the Senedd elections
• project-delivered training has strengthened capability and farmer trust, with some Welsh vets now presenting risk-rate work internationally

The Chair thanked the Iechyd Da and Pembrokeshire Project representative for their time and contribution to the discussion. 

The representative for Mentera provided an update on EMPBs to the Technical Advisory Group. 

Key points included:

• members noted that inconsistent messaging continues to affect farmer understanding. Clear and consistent communication is needed
• the group discussed the potential benefits of more sensitive tests (Enferplex, private gamma), though concerns remain about test specificity. The increased use of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to improve our understanding of transmission clusters and transmission chains of infection was also discussed.  The Group agreed that the distinction between risk rating and bovine only skin test interpretation must be made clearer to stakeholders
• behavioural understanding is key to effective on-farm controls. Farmers engage better when they understand the policy rationale and the science behind these policies. An improved and updated biosecurity training offer is needed. Sharing badger infection data may improve understanding of local risk

The Chair thanked the Mentera representative for their time and contribution to the discussion. 

The FUW representative presented views regarding EMPBs on behalf of their members.

Key points included:

• there was clear support for a co‑design approach involving farmers, vets, unions, and experts. Members emphasised the need for improved communication and trust building, especially in high incidence areas
• members were broadly supportive of future vaccination but stressed the importance of realistic expectations, clarity on costs and implementation, and avoiding another top-down project

The Chair thanked the FUW representative for their time and contribution to the discussion. 

The APHA representative delivered a presentation on EMPB which continued into further discussion with members. The following points were raised: 

• policy changes since 2017 have reduced automatic removal of severe IRs, leading to fewer removals and frustration among keepers. Severe IRs remain high-risk, with 25–30% confirmed positive on Gamma/IDEXX exit tests
• large variations in testing practices were identified, including volumes of over 1,000 cattle a day 
• concerns include early start times, long testing days, and fatigue affecting quality and safety. Workforce pressures for vets and Approved Tuberculin Testers (ATTs) continue. Introducing limits may be justified on health and safety grounds
• engagement with British Cattle Veterinary Association, British Veterinary Association, ATTs, vets, NFU Cymru and FUW is essential 
• a provisional model was proposed combining statutory testing, optional high sensitivity supplementary testing, data driven removal of high-risk animals, and tailored herd strategies

The Chair thanked the APHA representative for their contribution to the discussion. 

The Chair concluded the meeting by summarising the points raised and thanking all the speakers who contributed and provided documents.

Thursday 16^th April.