Latest Bovine TB figures for Wales show the number of herds under restrictions is the lowest since 2006.

First quarter TB data from the Welsh Government shows 94.6% of herds in Wales were TB-free during early 2016.

This translates to more than 200 fewer herds under TB restrictions than three years ago.

affairs secretary Lesley Griffiths said the figures show “some progress” in the Welsh Government’s goal of eradicating the disease.

She added: “Of course the TB picture across Wales is a complex one.

It is often assumed the increase in the number of cattle slaughtered means the disease is on the rise

"In actual fact the increase is down to changes to cattle controls and surveillance measures, which has improved the way we detect and eliminate the disease in our herds.”

The numbers of cattle being slaughtered have nevertheless prompted alarm in Pembrokeshire, where disease containment efforts are at their most severe.

Statistics show there was a year-on-year increase of 78% in the number of cattle slaughtered in the county, with 2,523 animals culled in the 12 months to February.

The huge rise comes despite four years of cattle controls and a badger vaccination programme in north Pembrokeshire’s Intensive Action Area (IAA).

A recent Welsh Government vaccination report revealed that, in 2015, some 1,118 badgers were jabbed at a total cost of £922,012 – or £824 per badger

With vaccination now suspended, due to a lack of vaccine, NFU Cymru county chairman Walter Simon called on the new Welsh Government to look again at its TB eradication strategy.

As well as easing movement, controls, this should include “actively removing the disease from the wildlife population”, he said.

In his address to the FUW's AGM in Aberystwyth this week, union president Glyn Roberts implored Cardiff to work with farmers to tackle the TB problem.

Across Wales, cattle slaughterings had risen 37% in the past 12 months alone, with 36 animals now being dispatched every working day, he said.

“We look to this new government to finally grasp the nettle,” he said.

Ms Griffiths said she was committed to taking a science-led approach and making full use of the armoury against the disease.

includes cattle testing, strict biosecurity, movement controls and management of herd breakdowns.

“This approach is aimed at tackling all sources of infection and is clearly having an effect,” she said.

“The latest statistics show the number of new herds with TB in the 12 months to March 2016 reduced by 14%.”