Yes, this has been controversial in the UK for some years now. The falsity of the "kill the badger" argument can be seen in the fact that Scotland has been free of bovine TB since 2009....but there has never been a cull there! The real truth is that TB is spread from cow to cow, either within herd, or else at markets (where cattle from different herds come into close contact), or else by sale/purchase of stock from other farmers (which goes on all the time). In general, bovine TB spreads into a herd which was clear previously, by "buying in" cattle. Farmers are buying and selling stock all the time. The poor badgers are just scapegoats.
Any suggestions of a "lock down" when infection is found are vigorously opposed by farmers. They claim that it would affect their profits. But in my opinion, when an infected farm is found, there should indeed be a "lock down", with a complete and extended ban on animal movement in or out (and infection controls imposed on humans going in or out).
There are currently rules in the UK about this, but they are quite weak. See https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/mov...culosis-tb Note particularly this weak restriction:
"If TB is not confirmed in the herd or there are 5 or less positive animals, it may be possible to derestrict the herd after a single clear herd test, carried out not less than 60 days after the removal/isolation of reactors and cleansing and disinfection has been completed and inspected."
It is current farming practices which are to blame, not the poor badgers.
Any suggestions of a "lock down" when infection is found are vigorously opposed by farmers. They claim that it would affect their profits. But in my opinion, when an infected farm is found, there should indeed be a "lock down", with a complete and extended ban on animal movement in or out (and infection controls imposed on humans going in or out).
There are currently rules in the UK about this, but they are quite weak. See https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/mov...culosis-tb Note particularly this weak restriction:
"If TB is not confirmed in the herd or there are 5 or less positive animals, it may be possible to derestrict the herd after a single clear herd test, carried out not less than 60 days after the removal/isolation of reactors and cleansing and disinfection has been completed and inspected."
It is current farming practices which are to blame, not the poor badgers.
