May I correct a few inaccuracies contained in the website referred to :
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"WAG have ruled out the use of vaccination as part of the current TB Eradication Programme."
This is not true.
The Minister for Rural Affairs has stated quite clearly that vaccination is an option in Wales, in parts of Wales where there are low levels of bTB infection and also as a tool to be used towards the end of the cull period in the IAA hotspot. There is already a submission to the Welsh consultation by the Central Science Laboratory, looking at the case for vaccination as a 'tool' to be included after or during the cull period.
Badger Control Model for Wales.
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"Through compulsory TB testing of cattle the incidence of Bovine TB in cattle was practicably eradicated, down to a level of less than 1%."
This is not true.
Since compulsory testing for bTB in cattle was introduced in Wales in 2004, the levels of infection breakdowns has risen from 4% to 9% in 2009.
TB PROBLEM IN WALES
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The quote '‘That badger culling played no meaningful part in the control of Bovine TB in cattle." attributed to Professor John Bourne of the Randomised Badger Culling Trial is not correct.
The ISG‟s conclusion was based on the effects of badger culling on cattle TB as seen during the RBCT, together with a cost benefit analysis. Ongoing analysis since the end of the trial demonstrates that the benefits of culling in the RBCT persist far beyond the culling period, which changes the economic case. In addition, the ISG‟s economic analysis was based on the particular way the RBCT was carried out and funded, with the Government carrying out the culling. The ISG‟s conclusion makes the assumption that any future culling policy would be conducted in the same way, which is not the case.
Annex G on RCBT
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The suggested consultation response for Wales says "or the significant breaches of civil liberties necessary to force access to land for a cull".
This is daft.
The legislation relating to interference with badger setts already exists, and will still apply to landowners during the cull. The legal right to force access to land also already exists, as it is part of longstanding legislation to allow officials of the Minister of Rural Affairs to force access for cattle testing and culling of diseased cattle. There is no more a breach of civil liberties to cull a badger than to cull an infected cow. Residential property is specifically excluded from 'forced' access provisions.
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Just one question: Why is Iolo Williams no longer listed as a supporter of this 'Badger Protection' website ? Whilst rock stars and media moguls are the usual people that would lend their support, I find it surprising that Iolo has not been included.