European badgers are a native species in United Kingdom. The culling of badgers is one method used to attempt to reduce the incidence of bovine tuberculosis. There are however conflicting opinions as to how effective this action would be based on previous culls. Culling is starting with about 5000 badgers in 2 counties but will continue across the country. Whilst the bovine tuberculosis can be passed to humans, because of pasteurisation and other measures it is not considered a significant risk to human health. Badgers are not the only carriers of the disease. When this action of culling does not work what would be the next species to be culled? Badgers have been legally protected against badger baiters, only to be slaughtered by a directive of the UK Government.
Vaccination of badgers is the humane action. If vaccination is not considered cost effective a fund should be set up to cover the costs. There have previously been successful vaccination programs that have been carried out with the help of volunteers and a local NFU. Is this the way to go forward? Please help us to change the future existence of the badgers in UK. You can find more information on the following website which you may need to copy and paste into your browser - http://www.badgertrust.org.uk/_Attachments/Resources/895_S4.pdf
