Joyce Watson, a Labour politician in the Welsh Parliament, faced criticism for suggesting that dairy farms with persistent bovine tuberculosis (bTB) infections should consider changing their business. Her remarks were made during a discussion on Wales' bTB eradication program.
The NFU Cymru and other political parties, including the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru, strongly condemned Watson's comments, calling them insensitive and demanding an apology. In response, Watson clarified that her comments were intended to address the stress and challenges faced by farms continuously affected by bTB, and she advocated for discussions on resolving or improving their situation.
Watson's comments come in the context of a new five-year strategy by the Welsh government to eradicate bTB by 2041, focusing on cattle testing and not badger culling, which is the approach in England. Her region covers much of rural Wales, significantly impacted by bTB.