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28/08/2015
Govt Announces Badger Cull To Be Extended Into Dorset
The Government has announced a badger cull used to tackle bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Somerset and Gloucestershire has been extended to Dorset.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) welcomed the move, although stated its disappointment that the policy had not been applied further.
Meurig Raymond, NFU President said: "Bovine TB remains a huge problem for beef and dairy farmers across the South West, large parts of the Midlands and beyond.
"Thousands of cattle farmers are fighting a daily battle against the spread of this disease. More than 32,800 cattle were slaughtered because of this disease last year and more than 4,700 herds that had been clear of it were affected by it.
"Badger culling is an essential part of the Government's 25-year strategy in areas where bovine TB is rife. While we are pleased that culling has been extended beyond Somerset and Gloucestershire we are very disappointed that more areas will not benefit from it this year."
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said targeted badger culls in Gloucestershire, Somerset and Dorset has been authorised this year.
Defra has already introduced tougher movement controls, more frequent testing and is supporting badger vaccination schemes in the 'Edge area', a buffer zone established to contain the spread of the disease.
Farming Minister George Eustice said : "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."
(LM)
The National Farmers Union (NFU) welcomed the move, although stated its disappointment that the policy had not been applied further.
Meurig Raymond, NFU President said: "Bovine TB remains a huge problem for beef and dairy farmers across the South West, large parts of the Midlands and beyond.
"Thousands of cattle farmers are fighting a daily battle against the spread of this disease. More than 32,800 cattle were slaughtered because of this disease last year and more than 4,700 herds that had been clear of it were affected by it.
"Badger culling is an essential part of the Government's 25-year strategy in areas where bovine TB is rife. While we are pleased that culling has been extended beyond Somerset and Gloucestershire we are very disappointed that more areas will not benefit from it this year."
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said targeted badger culls in Gloucestershire, Somerset and Dorset has been authorised this year.
Defra has already introduced tougher movement controls, more frequent testing and is supporting badger vaccination schemes in the 'Edge area', a buffer zone established to contain the spread of the disease.
Farming Minister George Eustice said : "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."
(LM)
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Badger cull considered in plans to tackle bovine TB
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has warned that badgers could be culled in order to stop the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB). Defra stressed that scientific, as well as other evidence, was "vital" to solving the problem.
15 December 2011
Opposition Fails To Halt Huge Badger Cull
A major cull of Britain's badgers is to go ahead despite calls from animal campaigners for the plan to be scrapped. On Wednesday, Caroline Spelman, the Environment Secretary, approved culls in two trial areas in an attempt to control bovine TB.
Opposition Fails To Halt Huge Badger Cull
A major cull of Britain's badgers is to go ahead despite calls from animal campaigners for the plan to be scrapped. On Wednesday, Caroline Spelman, the Environment Secretary, approved culls in two trial areas in an attempt to control bovine TB.
09 September 2014
Year Two of Badger Cull Underway
The second year of a badger cull is now underway in Gloucestershire and Somerset. Almost 1,000 badgers are to be killed in the second year of the cull, which started last year in an effort to stop the spread of bovine TB. Some 1,800 badgers were culled in 2013.
Year Two of Badger Cull Underway
The second year of a badger cull is now underway in Gloucestershire and Somerset. Almost 1,000 badgers are to be killed in the second year of the cull, which started last year in an effort to stop the spread of bovine TB. Some 1,800 badgers were culled in 2013.
27 August 2013
Badger Cull Begins In Somerset
The National Farmer's Union (NFU) have confirmed that a controversial badger cull has begun in Somerset. It is understood that some 5,000 badgers are expected to be killed in six weeks in an effort to control the spread of bovine TB, which it is claimed is spread to cattle from infected badgers.
Badger Cull Begins In Somerset
The National Farmer's Union (NFU) have confirmed that a controversial badger cull has begun in Somerset. It is understood that some 5,000 badgers are expected to be killed in six weeks in an effort to control the spread of bovine TB, which it is claimed is spread to cattle from infected badgers.
15 September 2010
Badger Culls Planned By Government
The Government has published proposals which would allow farmers to cull badgers as part of measures to control bovine tuberculosis in cattle. Defra has launched a consultation on the proposal to issue licences to farmers and landowners who wish to cull and/or vaccinate badgers at their own expense.
Badger Culls Planned By Government
The Government has published proposals which would allow farmers to cull badgers as part of measures to control bovine tuberculosis in cattle. Defra has launched a consultation on the proposal to issue licences to farmers and landowners who wish to cull and/or vaccinate badgers at their own expense.
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