Bovine TB Science Advisory Body

[tigger]

I noticed today on the DEFRA site that a new Bovine TB Science Advisory Body will be established from the end of this month. To "provide independent advice to Defra on bovine TB-related research".

Lets hope it comes to the "right" conclusions regarding badgers! and dismisses the idea of culling.

Jane

[stripee]

Vets I notice all keen on a cull....but also a vaccine expert...the history of badger culls goes back a long way, all have been uneconomic. I have just got Michael Clark's book on Badgers. Quote: in 1934 40% of cattle had TB, 1960 farmers gassing badgers with "Cymag". 1971 badger found with bTB in Glos. Wide spread gassing snaring trapping and shooting from 1973. And thereafter gassing preferred method. 1986 Dunnet report shows that total cost of eradication policy c. £11.3 million. Research costs c.£4.3 million. Estimated savings in compensation and assoc costs c.£1.6 million.
Dunnet says if people had been asked if the benefits would have been worth the nation spending over £7 million of public resources over 7 years most would have said 'no'.
That's in 1986.