Welsh Goverment rejects badger cull

The Welsh Government has announced that it will not carry out a cull of badgers to control bovine tuberculosis.

It has instead opted for a badger vaccination project, environment Minister, John Griffiths announced to the Senedd on Tuesday 20 March.

Commenting on the decision, the minister said:

“This has been a difficult decision to take. In making it, I have considered the likely benefits that vaccination or culling could have. Any decision to cull would need to be justified on the basis that it would be necessary to eliminate or substantially reduce the incidence of bovine TB in cattle.

“I have considered the evidence provided to me, including scientific and legal advice and have noted the advice on potential benefit that might be obtained by vaccination or culling.  At present I am not satisfied that  a cull of badgers would be necessary  to bring about a substantial reduction in cases of TB in cattle.”

The Minister explained that he had asked his Chief Veterinary Officer to design a five year vaccination programme which would begin in the Intensive Action Area. He had also asked for other areas where vaccination could be expected to contribute to TB eradication to be considered. 

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