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7 July 2008
Government rejects badger cull solution to bTB
The Wildlife Trusts welcome the science-based decision
The Wildlife Trusts welcome today's announcement from Environment Secretary Hilary Benn rejecting a badger cull as a solution to combating bovine TB in cattle.
He said: “Having listened carefully to a wide range of views from scientists, farming, veterinary and wildlife organisations, and many others, and having considered all the evidence, I have decided that while such a cull might work, it might also not work. It could end up making the disease worse if it was not sustained over time or delivered effectively, and public opposition, including the unwillingness of some landowners to take part, would render this more difficult. I do not think it would be right to take this risk. Therefore – and in line with the advice I have received from the Independent Scientific Group – our policy will be not to issue any licences to farmers to cull badgers for TB control, although we remain open to the possibility of revisiting this policy under exceptional circumstances, or if new scientific evidence were to become available.”
Instead, he has announced an increase in spending on a badger and cattle vaccination programme and the establishment of a new group, a partnership between Government, farmers and other interested parties to help combat the disease and prioritise the Defra TB budget.
Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, says: "This is a good day for science, public opinion and common sense. We congratulate Hilary Benn on sticking to the scientific evidence and drawing a line under any consideration of a badger cull. There is no single solution to this disease, but now is the time for all parties to throw their weight behind cattle-to-cattle control measures, vaccine development and improved biosecurity to deal with bovine TB’’.
The Wildlife Trusts accept that TB in cattle is a significant problem for farming in the UK and that urgent action is required to combat the disease. It particularly recognises the vital role that the livestock industry can play in the environmentally sensitive management of the countryside and the serious consequences for farmers experiencing a herd breakdown.
The Wildlife Trusts hope that this announcement will now provide the basis for the farming community, conservation organisations and the Government to work together to confront this disease through the following measures:
- Improved cattle testing (including use of the gamma interferon test) and monitoring of testing
- Stricter movement restrictions including pre and post-movement testing
- Improved husbandry and biosecurity on farms
- Continued research and trials for vaccine development.
Stephanie Hilborne continued: “This announcement marks a turning point in our approach to bovine TB in cattle. It is not a victory for badgers - we still have a terrible disease of both badgers and cattle that we must address. The Wildlife Trusts will be doing all we can to help by supporting cattle testing measures, promoting good biosecurity and husbandry in our work with farmers, and continuing to support badger vaccine trials on our nature reserves”
For further information please contact Anna Guthrie, media and PR manager on 01636 670075 or email aguthrie [at] wildlifetrusts.org or click on the following links for specific information:
Scientific evidence: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/tb/isg/pdf/final_report.pdf
Biosecurity and husbandry advice: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/tb/abouttb/protect.htm
Vaccine research: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/tb/vaccination/index.htm