The UK government's chief scientist advised ministers that killing badgers could prevent the spread of TB among cattle, the BBC has learned.
The UK government's chief scientist advised ministers that badgers should be killed to 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.
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 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.
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.
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 independent group's (ISG) findings, published in June, said that badgers did play a role in the spread of bTB, but it warned that the culling would have to be so extensive it would be uneconomical.
BADGER CULL TRIALS 30 areas of the country, each 100 square km10 culled proactively, 10 reactively, 10 not culledBadgers culled through being caught in cage and then shotIncidence of bovine TB measured on farms inside and outside study areasReactive culling suspended in 2003 after significant rise in infectionTrial cost £7m per year
BADGER CULL TRIALS 30 areas of the country, each 100 square km10 culled proactively, 10 reactively, 10 not culledBadgers culled through being caught in cage and then shotIncidence of bovine TB measured on farms inside and outside study areasReactive culling suspended in 2003 after significant rise in infectionTrial cost £7m per year
Professor John Bourne, author of the ISG report, said there were "great inconsistencies" in Sir David's own study.
"There are a number of issues which need to be discussed further and we would welcome the opportunity," he told the BBC.
"We are surprised that opportunity hasn't been taken before now. The report was prepared very quickly following the publication of our own report in June."
He said Sir David's recommendations were not consistent with the scientific findings of his report but were "consistent with the political need to do something about it".
Elimination
"If you wish to go down the culling route, you have to do what the Irish are doing in large parts of their country and that is eliminate," he added.
"Our findings show that if you don't want to go that far, then culling badgers will be counterproductive."
The ISG assessed the results of a nine year experiment to discover whether killing badgers would stem the spread of disease.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ministers are currently deciding whether to introduce badger culling as a way to prevent the spread of TB among cattle.
Would you support a cull of badgers? Is this the best way of preventing the spread of TB? Send us your comments using the form below:
Would you support a cull of badgers? Is this the best way of preventing the spread of TB? Send us your comments using the form below:
