A ‘HARROWING’ documentary showing the battle farmers face against bovine tuberculosis (bTB) has led to more calls for the Welsh Government’s policy on bTB to be reviewed.

On Monday, January 22, S4C’s Ffermio followed a Llandeilo family and showed the battle they have been facing. The episode can be viewed on S4C Clic.

Wyn and Enid Davies run a family farm at Castell Howell, Capel Isaac near Llandeilo. They have 120 cattle that they milk but since being put under TB restrictions in the summer of 2020, they have lost more than 180 cattle.

The programme focused on their heartbreaking feelings as 27 of the cows were killed on the farm after positive bTB blood tests. The cattle were killed on the farmyard in front of the farmhouse where the Davies’ and their young family live.

One of the Welsh Government’s changes to the rules around bTB was that the cattle now have to be killed on site whereas before they were taken off-site to be killed. The emotional effect this had on Mr and Mrs Davies was clear in the documentary, with both visibly upset as their beloved cows were killed.

Mr and Mrs Davies are calling on the Welsh Government to reconsider this ruling and to reconsider policies surrounding the control of bTB in wildlife.

They have been joined by Plaid Cymru politicians in the calls. Cefin Campbell, MS for Mid and West Wales, said: “Plaid Cymru stands in solidarity with the Davies family and all Welsh farmers affected by this devastating disease.

“Ffermio’s heartbreaking documentary clearly outlined the continued strain bTB is having on so many farmers and families across Wales, and the enormous toll it places on farmers and their mental health and wellbeing – with many often suffering in silence.

“It’s all too clear there is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of the Welsh Government’s failing policies on the control and eradication of this devastating disease.”

Ann Davies, Plaid’s candidate for the new Carmarthenshire constituency in Westminster, said: “I am all too aware of the huge impact bTB has on farmers and families across Carmarthenshire, and my heart goes out to the Davies family.

“Plaid Cymru has been consistent in our demand that the Welsh Government takes action to control bTB in wildlife. An open dialogue between the government, the farming community and veterinary experts is vital for developing effective strategies to combat bTB.

“This programme, and Mr and Mrs Davies’ traumatic experiences, reflect the urgent need for Welsh Government to reconsider its current stance and engage in constructive conversations that prioritise the wellbeing of Welsh farmers and their livestock.”