31 January, 2012
The National Beef Association (NBA) hopes to see
ten more badger cull licences granted now that two pilot projects
look set to go ahead, reports South West Farmer.
Bill Harper, TB Committee chairman at the NBA, explained that
the culling of badgers is needed to help stop the "horrendous"
spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB), which is why ten further
applications are being planned for 2013.
The two pilot areas for the project are in West Somerset and
Gloucestershire, with the system coming into effect in autumn.
Local farmers will be invited to apply for a licence to take
part.
Mr Harper said: "We are still a long way off a badger cull
taking place, but the attitude of all involved is very encouraging
and we remain positive that licences will be granted and everything
put in place for the two pilot areas to surge into action this
autumn."
BBC News' environment correspondent Richard Black pointed out
that the scheme's cost-effectiveness is still being debated, but
the need to do something to stop the spread of bovine TB is
undeniable.
He cited statistics released by the Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs, which demonstrated that the disease is
costing about £100 million each year, while also leading to tens of
thousands of cattle being put down.
Source: Vertical Leap
