Government Considering Raising Badger Culling Targets
Potential Increase in Badger Culling
Experts warn that if the government approves raising the target number of badgers to be killed in certain areas, thousands more could face death than initially planned.
Proposed Policy Adjustment
Official culling policy currently aims to decrease badger numbers by 70%, but there are indications that this target may be raised to 100% in exceptional circumstances following a consultation.
Impending Announcement
Ministers are expected to announce this potential change as early as next week, coinciding with the National Farmers’ Union annual conference.
Controversy Surrounding Culling Expansion
The expansion of badger culling, which has resulted in the death of over 260,000 badgers in England since 2013, is a contentious issue as the government seeks to combat tuberculosis in cattle.
Concerns Raised by Experts
Some experts express concerns over the vague definition of “exceptional circumstances,” fearing that increased culling targets could become the norm, leading to a higher annual badger death toll.
Government’s Stance
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs defends the culling strategy, emphasizing a science-based approach and the use of various tools in combatting bovine TB.
**FAQs**
**Q: How many badgers have been killed in England since culling began in 2013?**
A: Over 260,000 badgers have been killed in England since the culling initiative started in 2013.
**Q: What is the government’s rationale for expanding badger culling efforts?**
A: The government aims to eradicate tuberculosis in cattle, which is considered costly for farmers, by reducing badger populations.
**Q: What concerns do wildlife defenders have regarding the spread of tuberculosis?**
A: Wildlife defenders argue that cattle are significantly more likely to spread tuberculosis than badgers, disputing the government’s attribution of the disease to badgers.
**Q: When did the government initially promise to end badger culling and transition to vaccinations?**
A: The government initially promised to end badger culling and shift towards increasing vaccinations next year.
**Q: What alternative approach does the government plan to focus on in the future?**
A: The government intends to prioritize wider-scale badger vaccination in the next phase of its disease control strategy.
**Q: How does the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs view culling in the context of disease control?**
A: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs maintains that culling remains an option based on epidemiological assessments alongside other measures in the bovine TB eradication strategy.