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The UK government’s chief scientist advised
ministers that killing badgers could prevent the spread of TB among
cattle, the BBC has learned.
Sir David King’s report appears to contradict a previous study that
said culling badgers would be ineffective in controlling the spread
of the disease.
The Independent Scientific Group found that targeting one site would
only cause badgers to flee to other farms.
The National Farmers’ Union said a cull was necessary to curb TB in
cattle.
Figures from the union suggest the number of cases of bovine
tuberculosis (bTB) had risen by as much as 18% in the past year, to
nearly 2,500.
The independent group’s (ISG) findings, published in June, said that
badgers did play a role in the spread of bTB, it warned that the
culling would have to be so extensive it would be uneconomical.
The ISG assessed the results of a nine year experiment to discover
whether killing badgers would stem the spread of disease.
It found that although TB infection dropped in the immediate area of
the cull, it increased on adjoining farms, effectively shifting
rather than solving the problem.
But Sir David King has concluded that culling could be effective if
the culling was in areas that are contained, for example, by the sea
or motorways.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said
it welcomed Sir David’s report and would consider its
recommendations.
While most cattle farmers were likely to support a cull, it would
prove unpopular with the public.
A government consultation of more than 47,000 people found that more
than 95% of people were opposed to the idea.
Ministers are currently deciding whether to introduce badger culling
as a way to prevent the spread of TB among cattle.
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