Bovine TB found in goats

The Welsh Assembly Government has confirmed there has been an outbreak of bovine TB in goats in Carmarthenshire. It said it knew of a similar case in England which is understood to be linked.

The disease in goats is "unusual", and animal health officials are checking to see if it has spread to other herds.

The latest TB cases came as some MPs urged the assembly government to halt plans to cull badgers, which are known to spread TB to cattle.

Farmers' groups believe a cull of badgers would stem a rise in cases.

Defra's executive agency Animal Health is responsible for management of the outbreak, as well as possible tracings to other herds. "Animal Health is keeping officials in the TB team at the Welsh Assembly Government fully informed of developments with this outbreak," said the spokeswoman.

"A letter will shortly be published in the Veterinary Record, summarising the current situation and advising veterinary practitioners of the need to consider bovine TB when investigating goats with clinical signs suggestive of the disease."

It is not known where in Carmarthenshire the outbreak has occurred.

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