Badger culls in three more areas as row rages over trials’ success

THE badger cull could be rolled out to three more regions of England within weeks in spite of an ongoing row over whether previous pilot schemes have been successful.

The expansion of the cull is designed to halt the spread of bovine tuberculosis, which forces farmers to slaughter 28,000 cattle every year. A culling trial in Somerset over the past few years showed that the number of cows contracting TB could be reduced from 34 per cent to 11 per cent.

Figures from the National Farmers’ Union also showed that a second pilot scheme in Gloucestershire had reduced instances of TB in cows, despite sabotage attempts by animal welfare protesters.

However, the trials missed certain targets and were labelled a “complete failure” by some experts. Protest groups argue that culling badgers is inhumane.

Natural England is said to be considering applications in new areas, according to

Farmers Weekly. All three areas are thought to be in the South West, where the disease is most prevalent.

Meurig Raymond, the president of the NFU, said: “There are several areas where farmers are progressing, where they are extremely determined [to get culling licences].” He added: “When you think of the costs involved, [farmers] are prepared to go ahead because they believe it is the only future they have to try and eradicate this dreadful disease from their farms in these particular areas.”

Before the general election, Liz Truss, the environment secretary, said that the Conservatives would do “whatever it takes” to tackle bovine tuberculosis.

She said: “Our 25-year strategy includes cattle movement controls, vaccination in edge areas and culling where the disease is rife. This strategy has worked in Australia and is working in New Zealand and Ireland.”