Welsh Govt Delays Badger Cull

WALES, UK - In a statement earlier this week, the Welsh Assembly has announced that there will be a review of the scientific evidence base regarding the eradication of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Wales.

23 June 2011

2 minute read

Europe

Welsh Environment Minister John Griffiths said that there would be no cull of badgers in the Intensive Action Area while the review is being carried out.

Farmers have reacted angrily to these plans. Speaking outside the National Assembly after the announcement, Farmers' Union Wales TB spokesman and vice president Brian Walters said: "The previous policy was based on firm scientific evidence which shows badger culling in north Pembrokeshire would significantly reduce TB in cattle.

"The latest scientific evidence, released in April this year, simply reinforces that previously policy.

"It shows a 31.5 per cent reduction in confirmed TB herd incidences in English badger culling areas over the four and a half year period after badger culling ended, and a reduction of 37 per cent in the six months to March 2011.

The National Farmers' Union Cymru has said that it is depply disappointed with the decision.

Stephen James, NFU Cymru’s Deputy President said: “There has already been very long, detailed, scrutiny and analysis of the scientific evidence available and I have to say that this smacks at delaying tactics.

“While I am confident that the science will continue to stack up and the need for an integrated approach, which the Welsh Government has re-affirmed is necessary, I fear that the spread of disease will continue to march on whilst the Welsh Government prevaricates.”

During the review, the current regime of cattle surveillance and controls will continue. This includes the additional cattle disease control measures, introduced on the 1 May 2010, in the Intensive Action Area.

It is expected that the report will be delivered in the autumn.