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20/03/2012
Badger Cull Scrapped
A controversial plan to cull badgers has been dropped by the Welsh government.
The plan was hoped to wipe out bovine TB in cattle but environment minister John Griffiths said after carefully considering the scientific evidence he has instead opted to vaccinate the animals.
The cull had been put on hold and a review of the science involved in controlling bovine TD was commissioned after last years assembly elections but Mr Griffiths has scrapped the cull altogether and said a five-year vaccination programme will be used instead.
Mr Griffiths said he remained committed to eradicating a "terrible disease" that had "devastating" consequences.
"I have visited and spoken to a number of cattle farming families across Wales," he said.
"I know from listening just how difficult it is and how the consequences of TB can be devastating."
"At present I am not satisfied that a cull of badgers would be necessary to bring about a substantial reduction in cases of TB in cattle," Mr Griffiths added.
The cull was drawn up under the previous Labour-Plaid coalition Welsh government. At last May's election, Labour said it would take a science-led approach to the policy.
(H)
The plan was hoped to wipe out bovine TB in cattle but environment minister John Griffiths said after carefully considering the scientific evidence he has instead opted to vaccinate the animals.
The cull had been put on hold and a review of the science involved in controlling bovine TD was commissioned after last years assembly elections but Mr Griffiths has scrapped the cull altogether and said a five-year vaccination programme will be used instead.
Mr Griffiths said he remained committed to eradicating a "terrible disease" that had "devastating" consequences.
"I have visited and spoken to a number of cattle farming families across Wales," he said.
"I know from listening just how difficult it is and how the consequences of TB can be devastating."
"At present I am not satisfied that a cull of badgers would be necessary to bring about a substantial reduction in cases of TB in cattle," Mr Griffiths added.
The cull was drawn up under the previous Labour-Plaid coalition Welsh government. At last May's election, Labour said it would take a science-led approach to the policy.
(H)
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27 August 2013
Badger Cull Begins In Somerset
The National Farmer's Union (NFU) have confirmed that a controversial badger cull has begun in Somerset. It is understood that some 5,000 badgers are expected to be killed in six weeks in an effort to control the spread of bovine TB, which it is claimed is spread to cattle from infected badgers.
Badger Cull Begins In Somerset
The National Farmer's Union (NFU) have confirmed that a controversial badger cull has begun in Somerset. It is understood that some 5,000 badgers are expected to be killed in six weeks in an effort to control the spread of bovine TB, which it is claimed is spread to cattle from infected badgers.
17 September 2012
First Badger Cull License Issued
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First Badger Cull License Issued
Despite a decade long trial on the benefits of badger culling concluding there were only modest benefits, the first licence allowing farmers to shoot the animals, in an attempt to reduce cattle TB, is to be issued on Monday.
01 March 2005
Badger cull considered in plans to tackle bovine TB
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has warned that badgers could be culled in order to stop the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB). Defra stressed that scientific, as well as other evidence, was "vital" to solving the problem.
Badger cull considered in plans to tackle bovine TB
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has warned that badgers could be culled in order to stop the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB). Defra stressed that scientific, as well as other evidence, was "vital" to solving the problem.
09 September 2014
Year Two of Badger Cull Underway
The second year of a badger cull is now underway in Gloucestershire and Somerset. Almost 1,000 badgers are to be killed in the second year of the cull, which started last year in an effort to stop the spread of bovine TB. Some 1,800 badgers were culled in 2013.
Year Two of Badger Cull Underway
The second year of a badger cull is now underway in Gloucestershire and Somerset. Almost 1,000 badgers are to be killed in the second year of the cull, which started last year in an effort to stop the spread of bovine TB. Some 1,800 badgers were culled in 2013.
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