Badger cull extended

The government has announced that following the badger culls in Gloucestershire and Somerset last year, the badger cull is to be extended to Dorset.

Last year, an independent expert assessment of the badger culls showed that the pilot culls failed on humaneness and effectiveness due to the fact that some badgers were not cleanly shot and the fact that the cull fell short of its target. It is also estimated that it cost more than £3,300 for each badger killed last year.

However, a statement issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) states that Bovine TB costs taxpayers £100m every year and threatened the beef and dairy industries.

As well as extending the cull, Defra are proposing a:

• consultation on introducing compulsory testing for cattle entering areas such as the North of England to reduce the risk of new TB cases in those areas;
• consultation on changes to the criteria for future badger control licences;
• call for views on controlling TB in non-bovine animals.

George Eustice, Farming Minister, 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. This includes strengthening cattle testing and movement controls, vaccinating badgers in the buffer zone around high-risk areas, and culling badgers where the disease is rife."

He added: "Our approach of dealing with the disease in cattle and wildlife has worked overseas and is supported by leading vets."