Welsh Government pledges £5m to eradicate sheep disease in Wales

The Welsh Government have this week pledged £5m through the Rural Development Programme to help eradicate ‘sheep scab’ from Wales flocks.

Sheep scab is one of the most contagious sheep diseases in Wales and has been identified as a disease priority by the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group.

The funding is available to deliver an industry led project to tackle the disease in Wales. The announcement follows an industry proposal to eradicate sheep scab from Wales.

Further details of the project will be announced in the forthcoming months following ongoing discussions with industry representatives.

Announcing the funding, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said:

“Sheep scab has significant economic consequences for sheep producers and animal welfare issues for sheep. It is one of the most contagious disease of sheep in Wales and eradicating it is a priority for us and the industry.

“I’m pleased to be able to announce £5m Rural Development Programme funding will be used to help support the industry tackle the disease. Eradicating the disease has the potential to deliver significant lasting economic benefits for the sector at a particularly challenging time as we prepare to leave the European Union.”