Having read through the consultation document and followed some of the other links, I must admit that the evidence for a cull looks thin and is driven by cost. From what I can tell, the likelihood of a significant reduction in cattle contracting bovine TB as a result of a cull is very uncertain indeed, especially as it won't be consistently implemented. The chances are it will simply move the problem elsewhere. Interesting also to note the low incidence of bovine TB in
Badgers (around 80% are clear according to some research).
I'm in favour of the alternatives proposed by the RSPCA of:
- post-movement testing of cattle;
- quarantine arrangements for cattle moved from farm to farm;
- financial assistance to farmers to implement these and other measures to tackle bovine TB.