The CLA 'deeply concerned' at report that Government not allowing Bovine TB cull

The CLA today (4 July 2008) expressed its deep concern at a leak that indicated the Government will not allow a cull of badgers in the fight against Bovine TB.

CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said that – if true - the report by the BBC that Efra Secretary of State Hilary Benn has decided against a cull of badgers in England to control TB in cattle indicated a "significant misjudgment by the Government in the fight against Bovine TB".

The CLA President said: "Mr Benn's decision would fly in the face of recommendations made by the Efra Select Committee and the Government's former chief scientific adviser Sir David King. It represents a major blow to farmers and landowners with cattle.

"The CLA would like to know what the Government believes is a viable alternative to a cull of badgers. The current strategy of relying on cattle control is clearly not working.

"We believe the Government should be backing the farming industry's commitment to eradication of the disease with a multi-faceted strategy including at least a trial cull of badgers to make a pragmatic attempt at solving this terrible problem."

Mr Benn is to make a statement on Bovine TB measures in the House of Commons on Monday – after which the CLA will make a fuller response.

 MEDIA CONTACT:

Oliver Wilson, Communications Director, 020 7460 7936 or 07702 928828, ollie.wilson@cla.org.uk