NEW OUTBREAKS of tuberculosis (TB) in cattle have decreased in Wales in the last 12 months, but more cattle have been slaughtered due to bovine TB control, Welsh Governments figures show.

There were 730 new incidents in the 12 months to March 2019, a decrease of 8% compared with the previous 12 months.

The overall trend since 2009 is broadly downwards. However the trajectory is not consistent, with periods of rising and falling trends over that period.

However, in the 12 months to March 2019, 11,662 cattle were slaughtered due to bovine TB control.

This is a 14% increase on the previous 12 months, when 10,195 cattle were slaughtered.

The overall trend is variable. Much of the rise since 2014 is attributable to increased use of high-sensitivity testing. For example, gamma-testing, removal of Inconclusive Reactors (IRs) and severe interpretation of the skin test have all been used with the intention of clearing up infection and reducing the risk of the disease spreading and breakdowns recurring.

The winter months are traditionally a busy testing period, as the animals are housed. The recent increase is likely to be due to increased gamma testing and application of severe interpretation of the skin test and removal of all inconclusive reactors in all action plan herds.

Action plan herds are those that have been under restriction for 18 months or longer. They tend to be larger, which would result in a greater number of reactors. The measures are used with the intention of clearing up infection and reducing the risk of the disease spreading and breakdowns recurring. It remains to be seen whether this is a spike or a sustained increase for a longer period.