The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Culling of badgers to tackle bovine TB may be extended
The controversial cull of badgers south of the border to eradicate bovine tuberculosis is to be extended to five new areas, according to reports.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) refused to confirm or deny reports that the cull will be extended.
However, it is understood the shooting of badgers will begin early next month in South Devon, North Devon, North Cornwall, West Dorset and South Herefordshire.
This is in addition to culling in West Gloucestershire, West Somerset and Dorset.
A Defra spokeswoman yesterday said: “Natural England is currently considering applications for further badger control licences as part of the usual licensing process.
“England has the highest incidence of TB in Europe and that is why we are taking strong action to deliver our 25-year strategy to eradicate the disease and protect the future of our dairy and beef industries.
“Badger control in areas where TB is rife is one part of our long-term plan, which also includes strengthening cattle testing and movement controls and improving biosecurity on farm and when trading.”
The news has been condemned by animal-rights campaigners and the RSPCA’s head of public affairs, David Bowles, said the culls were not necessary. Badger Trust chief executive Dominic Dyer described the culling policy as a “disastrous failure on scientific, cost and humaneness grounds”.
“We could kill every badger in England but bovine TB would continue to spread in cattle herds, due to inaccurate TB testing, excessive numbers of cattle movements and poor biosecurity controls.”