More than 30,000 badgers removed in government-backed cull
© Sci/Adobe Stock New figures reveal more than 30,000 badgers were removed in the 2022 government-backed cull, as part of industry efforts to control the spread of bovine TB in cattle.
Defra statistics published recently show 33,627 badgers were killed by licensed marksmen across England between 30 August and 1 November last year.
See also: Northern Ireland badger cull moves step closer
Natural England licensed “badger disease control operations” across 72 areas, mainly in southern and middle England.
Ten new areas were introduced in 2022, including in Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Northamptonshire.
Publishing the figures, Defra chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “Natural England’s chief scientist and I have concluded that all areas delivered sufficient levels of coverage and effort required to be confident of achieving disease control benefits.”
Cull supporters insist culling badgers is helping to reduce the reservoir of disease in wildlife and outbreaks of bovine TB, which costs taxpayers an estimated £100m each year in compensation payouts to farmers.
But opponents, including the Badger Trust, want an immediate end to culling and more focus on vaccination and tougher biosecurity measures on beef and dairy farms.
The NFU says bovine TB is a devastating disease that continues to carry a huge emotional, mental and financial strain on thousands of farming families across the country.
NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw said the current government strategy to eradicate bovine TB has been successful and has saved the lives of thousands of cattle.
“Since it was introduced, the strategy has reduced disease incidence, giving farmers, their families, and their businesses much-needed relief,” he added.
“The NFU will continue to work with government to ensure a successful strategy to eradicate bovine TB is based on sound science and evidence.”
Intensive badger culling is set to run until at least 2025, when the government plans to phase out the policy in favour of vaccination both in cattle and badgers.