Press Release - NBA sees licencing decision for pilot badger cull areas as the beginning of a more balanced approach to TB control

NBA sees licencing decision for pilot badger cull areas as the beginning of a more balanced approach to TB control

The National Beef Association (NBA) is delighted at Caroline Spelman’s announcement today (Wednesday, December 14th) that two pilot badger cull areas will be licenced in England in 2012, paving the way for up to 10 additional areas in 2013.
 
The Association feels this is a major step forward in tacking the whole of the TB problem, rather than farmers committing to stringent cattle control measures while the disease is allowed to go unchecked in the wildlife population.

Hamish McBean, NBA Chairman, says: “While it is with regret that some badgers will be removed, populations have exploded in many parts of the UK and it is impossible for the cattle industry to get a grip of TB without looking at the wildlife element too.

“Farmers want to see badgers on their farm and the NBA believes these control measures will ensure those badgers are healthy, which will also ensure a healthy and thriving cattle population too.”

The purpose of the first two pilot areas is to show the safety, humaneness and effectiveness of shooting and trapping/shooting of badgers, as two small-scale projects are not expected to result in an immediate drop in TB disease levels in cattle or wildlife. The NBA says it believes those who are granted the first two licences will clearly demonstrate the positive role of farmer-led and financed operations, allowing additional licences to be issued for 2013. With fox, rabbit and deer populations all controlled by free shooting, the NBA is confident that badgers will not be unduly harmed or public safety put at risk.

The licencing process will select the two most suitable areas for 2012. This will include having clear physical boundaries to reduce badger movements in and out, plus a large number of landowners and tenants willing to allow access to their land.

Bill Harper, NBA TB Committee Chairman, says: “The cattle industry is working hard, with the NBA and other stakeholders pulling together, to put forward a shortlist of suitable areas to Defra. Ministers will then liaise with Natural England, which is the body that will give final sign-off on the licences.

“While we feel a judicial review of the licencing process is unnecessary and unconstructive, the industry must be prepared for our critics to launch at least one legal challenge. But we are completely confident that the regulatory framework will stand up to scrutiny and we will be able to proceed with this absolutely vital work.

“Let us not forget the massive impact TB has on farmers’ personal lives and businesses. Our members deal with this on a daily basis, subjecting themselves and their cattle to regular testing regimes, restricting the moment of animals and dealing with the personal and financial hurt of infected cattle being sent to slaughter. While no one wants to see the badger species unduly harmed, this really is necessary to get on top of the TB problem once and for all.”

“I think the work of farmers in the South West, particularly in VLA9, should be acknowledged and praised. They led the way in convincing politicians that farmers are serious about taking the lead on this issue and will contribute financially. This will only work if farmers set aside individual issues and agree to work together for the common good. We must use this opportunity to show we can make this work.”

Speaking for NBA members in areas of the UK outside of England, Mr McBean adds: “We congratulate Mrs Spelman and her colleagues within Defra for moving this forward and creating a structure that allows this work to be done legally and effectively. We hope this will set an example to some of the devolved Governments who have a TB problem but are not addressing the reservoir of disease in wildlife.”

For more information contact:-

Bill Harper, NBA TB Committee Chairman 07831 099182
Joanne Pugh, NBA Assistant Director  01772 734707 07579 009648
Hamish McBean, NBA Chairman*   01309 651206 07729 357880

*Hamish is currently chairing the NBA Board and Review Committee, charged with taking the NBA forward for the future.