The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, has today welcomed the Government announcement on further action to control bovine TB.
Targeted badger culls in Gloucestershire, Somerset and Dorset have now been authorised to take place this year.
DEFRA is also seeking views on changes to the rules on cattle testing, the criteria for areas seeking a badger control licence and the right approach to controlling TB in non-bovine animals.
CLA Director of Policy and Advice, Christopher Price said: “Controlling the badger population is a vital part of the Government’s comprehensive 25-year strategy for controlling bovine TB. We strongly support the decision to licence the culling of badgers in these three areas.
“Farmers in Somerset, Gloucestershire and Dorset are living through a nightmare and we must do all we can to support them and prevent the spread of this terrible disease.
“We will support all measures that are necessary to deliver the strategy, and will respond constructively to the important questions raised in the consultations published.”
