The Green Party opposes badger culling because it is not the most effective method of controlling Bovine Tuberculosis (bTb).
Evidence shows that testing of cattle and updating of hygiene methods within cattle farming can be effective in controlling bTB, while evidence from studies from the '90s to the present day continues to show that culling when trialled has not been effective.
Non-cull strategies have led to bTb reductions in Wales and Scotland, while it is increasing in England where culling is carried out.
The conclusion from the Bourne & Woodroofe trial in 2007 concluded that badger culling could “make no meaningful contribution to cattle TB control in Britain”. Scrutiny of culls in Gloucestershire and Somerset concluded that they were both ineffective and inhumane.
The paper 'Regional and temporal characteristics of bovine tuberculosis of cattle in Great Britain', Moustakas & Evans, 2015, shows that more frequent testing has contributed to the elimination of bTB in Scotland and a reduction in Wales, while it is rising in England where testing is less frequent and policy has been directed towards badger culling.
The Berne Convention states that the culling of badgers is only permitted as part of a bTB reduction strategy if there is no satisfactory alternative. Given the effective alternatives outlined above, it is clear that this condition is not satisfied.
Badger vaccination trials in Wales and Derbyshire (Defra’s largest badger vaccination trial is in the north of the county) have shown encouraging results, indicating that this could be a useful addition to the (already effective) package of other measures. Vaccination works in synergy with the above methods; all working together to reduce the disease reproduction. For example, testing can identify locations for badger vaccination. On the other hand, as evidenced by the need to define edge areas as described in the consultation, culling will operate in conflict with vaccination due to the displacement of animals and culling of vaccinated badgers.
It is quite striking in this time of covid how the effective strategies at combating bTB mirror those for coronavirus. To achieve success in animal or human health, it is necessary to follow the scientific advice, rather than merely pay lip-service to it.
As a councillor I would push for a ban of culling on council-controlled land, and a promotion of vaccination and other scientifically supported actions.