Montgomeryshire Assembly Member and Shadow Environment Minister, Russell George, has called on the Welsh Government to improve awareness and understanding of the Schmallenberg virus (SBV) within rural communities and the farming industry.
Asking an urgent question on the issue in the Senedd this afternoon (28th February), Mr George requested regular updates on the risk presented to Wales by the virus, as well as calling on the Government to examine the feasibility of financial support for those farm businesses that may be severely affected.
Mr George said:
“In times like these with a serious virus on our doorstep, it is important that people, particularly government and its leaders remain calm and that farmers remain vigilant.
“At this early stage, it’s absolutely vital that the Welsh Government provides farmers with as much information about SBV as possible and how the virus is progressing.
“I accept that the chances of there being cases in Wales in the near future are very high and it’s for this reason that awareness must be raised as a matter of priority.
“Farmers should not be left to their own devices to research or dig out the facts they need on SBV or how they should proceed if cases do occur. In the interests of all, they should be fully informed of what to look out for.
“The Minister also needs to be mindful of the financial implications this virus could have on the livestock industry in Wales.
“Wales has 28% of the total breeding flock in the UK, 12% of the UK dairy herd producing 11% of the total milk output, if this virus does take hold and mirrors the impact on the continent, the whole Welsh farming industry will be put under severe pressure.
“While it is not a notifiable disease at this stage, there is no reason why the Welsh Government should not be examining the feasibility of a contingency budget to provide emergency funding to the most severely affected businesses.”
