What is the IAA, and where is it.
What is the IAA
The IAA is an area of west Wales where we have put extra measures in place to deal with bovine TB.
We are tackling all sources of bovine TB infection in domestic and wild animal species. Our aim is to eradicate the disease in the local cattle population.
Where is the IAA
The IAA is mainly in north Pembrokeshire, but includes small parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. The area:
- has one of the highest incidence rates of Bovine TB in Wales
- has a higher proportion of cattle that react to the TB test
- has cattle farms which tend to be under movement restrictions for longer than in other areas
- accounts for a significant proportion of national TB compensation cost
- has badgers infected with TB
Beef and dairy farming are important industries in this area, so bovine TB is very damaging.
What we are doing
We have introduced a range of measures to reduce the level of infection within all species in the area. These include:
- stricter cattle controls
- improved biosecurity measures
- testing all goats and camelids
- badger vaccination
Increased cattle surveillance and controls came into place on 1 May 2010. All cattle owners in the area are also involved in a project to improve biosecurity on their farms. Over 5,000 doses of badger vaccine have been administered.