A badger culling strategy would decrease the number of cases of bovine tuberculosis

Dec 14, 2011 14:53 GMT  ·  By
The UK thinks a massive badger culling is the most suitable option to control the numer of cases of bovine tuberculosis
   The UK thinks a massive badger culling is the most suitable option to control the numer of cases of bovine tuberculosis

The UK authorities have recently decided that a massive badger culling represents the most important measure to reduce the number of cases of bovine tuberculosis reported every year.

Even though it is a project that raises the anger of conservationists, Caroline Spelman, the British environment secretary, admits culling is an extreme measure, but a much-needed one since the notorious cattle disease has made a lot of victims last year and the trend seems to be preserved further, the Guardian informs.

The situation is indeed alarming, since Spelman has indicated that compensation for cattle owners whose profit margins have decreased because of the current threat could reach to £1bn (€1.17bn/$1.56bn) over the next decade.

On the other hand, representatives from Mammal Society say the plan is not efficient, since it represents the product of “flawed science” and will only feed the hopes of British farmers.

At this point in time, authorities who support this disturbing decision firmly believe that culling operations developed in two areas have a lot of potential and can lower the incidence of new cases of tuberculosis by up to 16%.

Some experts say that the strategy cannot rely on science, since this sector has a minimal contribution in the decision-making process. Moreover, it appears to be strictly a political decision.

The motives are rather easy to understand, since the number of cases of ill cattle has increased significantly. If in 1991, 655 were recorded in the UK, the number of animals that had to be sacrificed was much higher in 2010, up to 28,500.

This alarming growth is affecting both British farmers and taxpayers. If the plan were to be developed, this means up to 105,000 badgers would die over the next eight years.

Controversial culling operations come against the legal framework aiming to protect the tiny creatures. In order to avoid potential conflicts, a vaccine for badgers appears to be the most suitable option in this case.

It could become available by 2015. Even under these circumstances, Spelman says that such a plan, widely accepted by the public is still far away and fails to provide a rapid response to a pressing issue.