NFU relieved after Defra announces two badger control areas to tackle TB

NFU President Peter Kendall has said today’s decision from Defra to commit to two pilot areas for badger controls as part of its plan to tackle bovine TB is the right way forward.

Mr Kendall expressed his relief on behalf of the farming industry after Defra Secretary of State Caroline Spelman said that she had listened to all of the evidence put before her during the lengthy consultation into a government-led TB Eradication Programme. And she had now concluded that a carefully managed and science-led policy of badger controls would be introduced.

He said: "Today is another massive step forward in achieving our end goal of a healthy countryside – both for badgers and for cattle. I commend Defra for introducing these two pilot areas to confirm the effectiveness, humaneness and safety of controlled shooting.

"We must tackle this terrible disease, a disease that sees tens of thousands of cattle destroyed each and every year. The most recent science shows badger controls are absolutely necessary, together with cattle controls, to get on top of TB. No other country in the world has successfully tackled this devastating disease without first addressing the reservoir of TB in the wildlife.

"However, I want to remind everyone this has never been about eradicating badgers; this is about eradicating disease. And there are some serious challenges ahead. But we take this issue extremely seriously and we remain committed to working with Defra and Natural England to deliver an effective TB control plan. This has never been and will not be a quick fix and we’re fully prepared for that.

"Controlling TB in the areas that have high and persistent disease levels will help to save cattle and reduce the risk of TB in other areas of the country that are currently without TB. That has to be in everyone’s best interests."