Badger cull now planned for England

[Eryri]

Originally Posted by STYRBJORN

The proposed badger "cull" is specifically non-selective. It is not a "cull" it is a mass slaughter of an entire population. It might be claimed that it is selective by area, but it is regarded as a trial of the method, so that horse won't run.

In Wales, it is to be conducted at a specific time of year (June to September) after the cubs are weaned, and before 'settlement' of for winter fattening. This 'mass slaughter is a myth. If this was the case, it would be best be done in winter or spring while the females are pregnant or cubs in close proximity. The phrase "mass slaughter of an entire population, not only is untrue, it is a misunderstanding what a cull is, and the nature of the badgers life cycle.

[STYRBJORN]

Eryri - the title of this thread is "Badger cull now planned for England"

Ric

[muldonach]

Originally Posted by stripee

.................
Those who saw Country File last Sunday would have seen the trials on Adam Henson's farm. The badger that was trapped did not look disturbed and it's thick skin meant it did not seem to feel the needle. It was marked to avoid re-vaccination. They have vaccinated 160 badgers already. In Wales, those of us opposed to culling as a means of bTB reduction in cattle should have the option of vaccination. Most would be willing to pay for it themselves.

Chris Cheeseman said on the programme that farmers should wait for the cattle vaccine in 2015, and in the meantime cattle measures would be the most effective.

The lack of reaction of that animal was so atypical that I remarked to my other half at the time that what was shown appeared to me to be a simulation with no needle in fact used.

I have never vaccinated a badger or any other wild animal but I can assure you that irrespective of skin thickness domestic stock feel and react to a needle, as do wild animals when darted.

A cattle vaccine will I hope be welcomed by all parties but is the date of 2015 anything more than an estimate and will the vaccine actually be approved by the EU?

Regards
mac

[Eryri]

It was evidently a simulation for the benefit of the camera crew.
Here is a more accurate video of a caged badger :
Trapped badger
Lights camera, needles !