To add preasure on DEFRA and BEN would it be worthwile project to try and get numbers of calves that wiil now be slaughterd because the export to rearing farms on the continent has been stopped?  We already have the figures for animals culled because of non compliance with the EU directive to control TB in cattle and badgers etc

A good question Rodney and one I am sure will feature in the FWI in due course. Such a figure, as I suspect lies behind your question, would go some way to dispel the perception of the public that the Badger is a cuddly animal worthy of special treatment in preference to the agri business cow that is merely a unit of production.

If FWI and other bodies can do their bit to help the public see that calves and cattle are as worthy their attention as the badger, then we may eventually get politicians to reflect a sensible view of stock farming.

i wonder if the general public saw a badger  - they would feel the same

if they saw one kill a new born lamb, a hedgehog or raiding a birds nest

in 2006 defra spent £99mn on tb

if as predicted is increases at 20% per annum, by 2016 this will cost £620mn

lets ask them to vote on that!

Cant action be taken in the European courts to make the UK government comply with the European directive to eradicate TB in wildlife?

Connached, I think the NFU are working on that right now.