In a move to curb the spread of bovine tuberculosis, the UK Government plans to sustain targeted badger culling in high-risk areas, amid criticism from wildlife advocates and calls for more humane disease control methods.
The UK Government has announced plans to sustain targeted badger culling in specific areas identified as high-risk for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle, diverging from the broader policy of intensive culling to be phased out by January 2026. This decision aims to zero in on “hotspot” regions, particularly in southwest and central England, to manage the spread of bTB, with subsequent badger vaccinations intended to uphold disease reductions.
Despite the shift towards a more localized approach, the continuation of badger culling has ignited criticism among ecological consultants, wildlife and animal welfare groups, and scientists. They argue against the efficacy of the culling strategy, advocating instead for enhanced cattle management practices and vaccination programs.
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay defended the culling, asserting its success in mitigating bTB among cattle, highlighting a 56% reduction in TB cases within herds across four years in areas that have undergone culling. The Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, echoed this sentiment, underlining significant progress toward the eradication of bTB by 2038 through evidence-based solutions.
The strategy has faced opposition for its potential impact on badger populations, with ecological consultant Tom Langton voicing concerns over the government’s approach. Critics call for an immediate shift towards comprehensive cattle management and vaccination strategies over culling, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to disease management that considers wildlife welfare.
The government’s stance, influenced by lobbying from farming unions and a desire to distinguish policy from opposition parties, remains firm on the necessity of targeted culling in specific areas. However, it has opened a consultation for public and expert input on enhancing bTB risk information for animal purchasing and improving cattle-focused disease control measures.
As the debate continues, there’s a clear divide between proponents of the culling policy, who cite its effectiveness in reducing bTB rates, and opponents, who question its impact on badger populations and advocate for alternative strategies. The UK Government remains committed to an evidence-led approach to control bTB, balancing disease management goals with concerns for wildlife conservation.
