What’s new?
15 December 2005
DEFRA’s announcement on bovine TB –
A response from the Wildlife Trusts
In response to today’s (15/12/05) announcement by DEFRA, The Wildlife Trusts welcome the Government’s decision to tighten up controls on cattle movement as a measure for reducing the incidence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB). However The Wildlife Trusts are deeply concerned that badger-culling options are now being proposed as a key part of the solution. The Wildlife Trusts are also concerned that a consultation on culling is going ahead before the full results of the Government’s proactive badger culling trials are available.
Stephanie Hilborne, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “The Wildlife Trusts are disappointed at the emphasis the consultation gives to badger culling as a way of controlling bovine TB. The Government has today pointed out that there is still scientific uncertainty around the effectiveness of culling. We must not allow a situation to develop where our native wildlife is sacrificed for political expediency.”
The Wildlife Trusts work with farmers throughout the UK and recognise bTB is a major problem. However, the scientific evidence suggests that badger culling does not necessarily reduce disease incidence in cattle and can lead to an overall increase in a given area.
It would appear that bTB can enter a badger population from cattle very readily, and may exist in other wildlife populations. There is less clarity about its transfer back to the cattle population. The priority must be to control the spread of the disease between cattle. Once such measures are in place, strategies to reduce potential re-infection from wildlife populations may be valid.
For more information please contact Jules Acton or Mark Simpson on 07917 574 837/020 7803 4289