Vaccinating badgers against bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an affordable and viable alternative to culling according to a new report published today, by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.
The report outlines the full costs involved in the trial and demonstrates that if groups of land owners join together to vaccinate badgers against bTB, it would become affordable with no associated negative impact. Culling, as its most vocal supporters admit, may increase bTB in neighbouring herds through perturbation and as yet no proven benefit.
“We are delighted with the results. The report provides proof that there is an affordable alternative to the proposed cull” Said Dr. Gordon McGlone OBE, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.
“Bovine TB is a big problem but local culling of one of our much-loved native animals is not the answer. Scientists have spent that last 12 years investigating whether killing badgers will halt this serious disease in cattle and the answer they are getting is that it could well make the problem worse.”
The report suggest ways in which badger vaccination could be made cheaper, such as the removal of the Certificate of Competence costs and also recommends a free bTB vaccine advisory service is set up.
Costing only £51 per hectare, The Trust wants the Government and landowners to take badger vaccination seriously as a viable alternative to the proposed cull.
For press enquiries call Emma Bradshaw on 01452 383333 (9-3 Mon- Thurs) or mobile 07740 922193.
Notes…
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is a county-wide charity which manages 60 nature reserves covering over 2,000 acres, in addition to identifying key sites of nature importance. Its aim is to secure a natural environment which the people of Gloucestershire and visitors to the area can enjoy for generations to come. It has a local membership of more than 25,000 people and works with 450 regular volunteers who give their time to support the Trust’s work. Further information can be found at www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk.
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/2011/10/12/first-uk-badger-vaccination-trial-results-published
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