Nationwide Badger Cull
The Government has denied claims that
it has decidedto tackle the increasing
presence of Bovine Tuberculosis with a
badger cull.
It is widely believed but not proven that badgers are responsible for the spreading the disease. A cull would mainly involve areas in the west of the country especially those of the south west of England, which have the highest concentration of dairy cattle.
Scientists from the Cornwall Wildlife Trust said a cull would "disregard years of scientific research into the spread of Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) and cull badgers in an attempt to control the disease, despite being told that this will not work".
The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) released a statement saying, "There is no question of preparing for a cull or anything like it".
Director Trevor Edwards of Cornwall wildlife Trust stated "The trust appreciates the impact that bTB has and sympathises with farmers affected. However, badger culling is clearly not the solution and could make matters worse", "The government's own research is telling them that cattle-to-cattle transmission is the biggest reason for the spread of bTB and that culling badgers around affected farms does not reduce the overall incidence of the disease".
At present the subject is in public consultation until the 10th March when
a decision will be made.
