Bovine TB will be top of the agenda at this year's NFU Cymru virtual Pembrokeshire county conference.

Members will hear from guest speaker and veterinary pathologist, Dr Neil Watt BVMS PhD MRCVS, on Thursday, January 21.

Taking place virtually on Microsoft Teams from 7.30pm, guest speaker Dr Watt works with MV Diagnostics Ltd, a research and development company that develops and markets veterinary diagnostic kits and reagents worldwide.

He will talk to NFU Cymru members about his work to develop better surveillance and diagnostic testing tools for bovine TB, in particular the work he has done to develop the new Enferplex antibody test to aid early detection of bovine TB in cattle.

NFU Cymru president John Davies will also speak to members at the virtual meeting, providing an update on the union’s work in key areas including the UK’s departure from the EU, bovine TB, the impacts of Covid-19 on the industry, and future farming support, including Welsh Government’s newly published white paper.

NFU Cymru Pembrokeshire county chair Roger Lewis said: “Bovine TB is one of the biggest challenges to the agricultural industry in Wales. As farmers we’re keen to learn more about the latest scientific developments and tools that could be used to help get earlier and more accurate detection of the disease within our cattle herds. I’d like to thank Dr Watt for agreeing to join our county conference this year.

“While the coronavirus restrictions mean that our meetings continue to be held in a virtual format, these events are still of great value to members and I encourage everyone to log in to the meeting on Thursday, January 21, to listen to our fantastic guest speaker. All members who join our virtual county conference will be entered into our prize draw to win £50 shopping vouchers.”

NFU Cymru Pembrokeshire members will receive joining instructions for the meeting via email and as it’s virtual this year, the event is open to members across Wales. For more information or to register your attendance, please email nfu.cymru@nfu.org.uk or call 01982 554200.

HSBC UK has sponsored all 11 virtual NFU Cymru county conferences across Wales.