A public consultation on sharing the responsibility and costs of maintaining and improving animal health and welfare with the livestock industry has started.

The Anderson inquiry into the foot and mouth disease epidemic in 2001 and the 2004 Animal Health and Welfare Strategy recommended that costs of livestock health and welfare should be shared between the farming industry and the taxpayer.

Rural affairs minister Elin Jones said: "The consultation is on the fundamental principles which will form the basis of any proposals for responsibility and costs sharing.

"One of the major aims will be to ensure that full account is taken of Welsh interests including the affordability of proposals on the livestock industry. I would urge all those with an interest in livestock health and welfare and the sustainability of rural Welsh communities to respond to the consultation."

To view the consultation go to www.wales.gov.uk/randcsharing or ring 02920 801415 to request a hard copy.

The consultation will end on June 9th.

3:32pm Friday 9th May 2008

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