Capitalise on the benefits of badger culling before phasing it out
We write in reply to the 'Open letter to the prime minister regarding badger culling licences' (VR, 3 September 2020, vol 187, p e37).
Badger culling will always be an emotive topic and we are respectful that there are clear differences of opinion with regards to its implementation. However, we feel it is necessary to refute some inaccuracies and misinterpretations in the aforementioned letter.
The government's 80-page response to Professor Sir Charles Godfray's review that was published in March 2020 is quite clear in its intent that the current intensive culling policy will gradually begin to be phased out over the next few years.
The Godfray review states that it is unrealistic to switch immediately to badger vaccination and that a transition period is required. With this message in mind, it is premature to call an immediate halt to new or existing cull areas.
It is premature to call...
Publisher URL: http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/cgi/content/short/187/6/240-a
DOI: 10.1136/vr.m3568
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