'Cull target being achieved in Wales'

The target of slaughtering infected animals within 24 hours of foot-and-mouth being reported is being achieved in Wales, the Welsh rural affairs minister says.

Carwyn Jones said he made no apology for the drastic consequence of the actions taken to control the spread of the disease.

There have been 57 confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Wales and mass culls are in progress on Anglesey and in Powys, mid Wales.

In a statement to the Welsh Assembly, Mr Jones said: "Within Wales we are committed to, and achieving, the slaughter of affected animals within 24 hours of the report of the disease.

"In parallel susceptible animals on adjoining premises to confirmed disease must be culled within a 48-hour time span."

He also underlined his opposition to the use of vaccination in Wales. He said the scale of the disease in Wales did not justify such action.

He said it was important to put the disease into context. There were 25,000 farmers in Wales and 57 confirmed cases. The population of sheep, cattle and pigs in Wales totals 12.6 million.

"That is what is at risk if our reaction does not concentrate on controlling and eradicating the disease," he said.

There have been protests in Wales over the disposal of carcasses. Welsh Tory agriculture spokesman Peter Rogers said all slaughtered stock in infected areas should stay in those areas.

He also called for extensive consultation with local people before burial sites are identified.