New figures show decline in herd incidents, but disagreement remains over wildlife controls

WALES is making steady progress in tackling bovine tuberculosis (bTB), according to the Welsh Government, but a long-running debate over the role of badgers in spreading the disease continues to divide opinion.

In a written statement issued this week, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, HUW IRRANCA-DAVIES, outlined what he described as “clear progress” in Wales’s eradication programme.

Latest figures show a sustained long-term decrease in new TB herd incidents, which ministers say reflects the success of a science-led, cattle-focused strategy. The approach has prioritised enhanced testing, stricter movement controls, and improved biosecurity on farms.

The Welsh Government says more sensitive testing methods are helping to identify infection earlier, while efforts are also being made to reduce the number of cattle slaughtered unnecessarily.

However, the issue of whether wildlife—particularly badgers—plays a significant role in spreading the disease remains contentious.

Farmers and government under pressure

Bovine TB continues to have a major economic and emotional impact on Welsh farming communities, particularly in rural areas of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

Farmers’ unions have long argued that wildlife reservoirs, including badgers, contribute to the persistence of the disease, and have called for stronger intervention measures.

In England, controversial badger culling programmes have been rolled out over the past decade, with UK Government figures suggesting significant reductions in TB rates in some areas.

But those claims remain disputed, with critics arguing that the evidence is far from clear-cut.

Badger Trust backs Welsh approach

Responding to the Welsh Government’s latest statement, the Badger Trust welcomed the direction of policy in Wales and urged ministers to maintain a focus on cattle-based controls.

The charity said the latest statistics demonstrated that Wales’s approach was delivering “real results” and represented a clear improvement on policy seen elsewhere.

Chief Executive NIGEL PALMER said: “The latest TB statistics show sustained long-term decreases in new TB herd incidents, demonstrating that Wales’s science-led, cattle-focused approach is delivering real results.”

The Trust also questioned the effectiveness of culling, arguing that reductions in England cannot be attributed solely to killing badgers.

It said: “The analysis behind this figure cannot separate the effects of culling from other measures such as enhanced cattle testing, stricter movement controls, and improved biosecurity.”

The organisation maintains that bovine TB is primarily a cattle disease, with most transmission occurring between cattle rather than from wildlife.

Scientific disagreement remains

The role of badgers in spreading bTB has been the subject of decades of scientific study, with no universal consensus.

Some studies have suggested that badgers can act as a reservoir for the disease, potentially infecting cattle through environmental contamination.

Others, including research cited by animal welfare groups, argue that the impact of badgers on overall transmission rates is limited compared to cattle-to-cattle spread.

The Welsh Government’s own Technical Advisory Group has previously stated that a combination of measures may be needed, including consideration of wildlife alongside cattle controls.

However, Wales has so far resisted introducing widespread badger culling, instead focusing on vaccination trials and tighter cattle measures.

Calls for clarity and consistency

The Badger Trust also raised concerns about international standards, arguing that requirements for Officially TB Free status focus primarily on bovine species rather than wildlife.

It warned that policies targeting badgers risk diverting attention and resources away from more effective cattle-based interventions.

At the same time, farming representatives continue to press for stronger action, arguing that without addressing all potential sources of infection, eradication efforts could stall.

A long road ahead

While the latest figures suggest progress, the Welsh Government has acknowledged that completely eradicating bovine TB remains a long-term challenge.

For now, Wales appears set to continue its cautious, evidence-led approach—balancing animal health, farming livelihoods, and wildlife protection.

But with pressure mounting from both sides of the debate, the question of how far to go in tackling the disease is unlikely to be settled any time soon.

PLANS for a new £100 million school in Milford Haven have been unveiled, but the project has not yet secured full approval and remains subject to further funding decisions.

Pembrokeshire County Council this week released details of the proposed development, alongside a professionally produced video featuring First Minister Eluned Morgan, senior council figures and school leaders outlining the vision for a modern, state-of-the-art school.

The announcement comes just seven weeks before the Senedd election.

The proposed scheme would see the development of a new, purpose-built school designed to provide modern learning environments for pupils across Milford Haven and the surrounding area. Plans include specialist teaching facilities, improved accessibility throughout the site, and enhanced outdoor learning and play areas.

Council officials say the project will also place a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient systems and modern building standards aimed at reducing long-term environmental impact and running costs.

Outline stage only

Despite the high-profile launch, the project is currently at Strategic Outline Case (SOC) stage — an early stage in the public sector approval process.

SOC approval means the scheme has been accepted in principle, but key elements — including final costs, detailed design and overall value for money — have not yet been fully assessed.

Crucially, no final funding commitment has yet been made.

Before the project can proceed to construction, it must pass through the full business case (FBC) process. This stage requires detailed financial modelling, technical planning and formal sign-off from funding bodies, including the Welsh Government.

Only if that process is successfully completed will funding be formally approved and delivery authorised.

Political and funding context

Major school developments in Wales are typically delivered through joint funding arrangements between local authorities and the Welsh Government, often under long-term investment programmes aimed at modernising the education estate.

While both council leaders and Welsh Government representatives have expressed support for the Milford Haven project, schemes at SOC stage can still be subject to revision, delay or, in some cases, may not proceed if funding or value-for-money criteria are not met.

Large infrastructure announcements are often made at this stage to outline ambition and begin public engagement, ahead of final decisions on funding and delivery.

Long-running campaign

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education, said he had been working towards securing a new school for several years.

He said: “I have been Cabinet Member for Education since 2019 and I have been fighting for a new school for Milford all that time.

“This project represents a major investment in our children’s future and will provide a safe, modern and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive.”

The Welsh Government has also welcomed the plans, describing them as part of its wider programme to improve school facilities across Wales.

Community involvement

The council has confirmed that the next phase of the project will involve consultation and engagement with pupils, staff, parents and local residents.

This process is expected to help shape the detailed design of the school before a full business case is submitted.

Not yet a confirmed build

While the plans have been presented as a significant step forward for education in Milford Haven, the project remains a proposal rather than a confirmed construction scheme.

At this stage, timelines for delivery have not been finalised, and progression will depend on the outcome of the business case process and the availability of funding.

For now, the new school remains an ambition backed in principle — but not yet a guaranteed build.

Cover image:

Delighted with announcement: First Minister, Eluned Morgan MS

CEREDIGION YOUTH SERVICE has strengthened its early intervention and prevention work across the county through the Home Office-funded Bridges and Safe Spaces (BASS) programme.

Delivered in partnership with the Dyfed-Powys Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Hotspot Action Fund, the initiative is helping youth workers provide trusted adult support, positive activities, and a visible presence in key hotspot areas.

A standout success has been a youth-led graffiti project at Cardigan RFC, aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour by giving young people a sense of ownership over public spaces. Working alongside local artists and youth workers, participants transformed the rugby club stand into a vibrant mural, fostering pride while discouraging vandalism.

A spokesperson for Cardigan RFC said: “The graffiti project has shown the value of a community-based approach. Working with the Youth Service has helped us build stronger relationships with local young people and better understand the issues that matter to them. The transformation of the stand has brought new energy and pride to the club, creating a positive connection between young people and the wider rugby community. We are extremely grateful for their hard work and support.”

Across Aberystwyth, Lampeter and Cardigan, the Youth Service delivered 300 hours of outreach and detached youth work. This included expanded youth club provision and targeted sessions such as free gym access, wellbeing programmes and intergenerational activities.

These initiatives are designed to provide safe, supportive alternatives during key periods of vulnerability, particularly after school and in the evenings.

The BASS programme is also expanding its preventative reach through partnerships with Promo Cymru, developing digital engagement services, and with EYST to strengthen conversations around inclusion and community cohesion. Both partnerships support the Youth Service’s commitment to anti-racist, trauma-informed and bilingual practice.

Funding has also supported Saturday sessions at Depot, Area 43’s youth café in Cardigan, which welcomed more than 10,000 young people in 2025. Operations Manager Ruth Pilcher said the funding has been vital in sustaining the café’s busiest day, highlighting the importance of safe spaces, diversionary activities and needs-led support.

Gwenllian Morris, Team Manager for Community Youth Work and Prevention, said: “This project has strengthened our partnership with Cardigan RFC and Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, giving young people a meaningful role in shaping a space they use every day. By bringing the school, the club and the Youth Service together, we have helped young people develop new skills, build relationships with trusted adults and contribute something lasting to their community.

“The mural celebrates 150 years of Cardigan RFC, but it also reflects the creativity, pride and teamwork of the young people involved. We are proud to have delivered this through the Dyfed-Powys Hotspot Fund, which has been vital in expanding preventative youth work across Ceredigion.”

Councillor Alun Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Through Age and Wellbeing, added: “This project highlights the real impact of prevention-focused youth work. By giving young people support, creativity and a sense of belonging, we reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour and strengthen communities.

“The partnership between the Youth Service, Cardigan RFC and Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi shows how local organisations can work together to give young people positive opportunities and a genuine voice. Ceredigion is proud to champion preventative services like this as part of our long-term commitment to community wellbeing.”

For more information about the Bridges and Safe Spaces programme, contact [email protected] or follow Gwasanaeth Ieuenctid Ceredigion Youth Service on social media.