Badger culling an acceptable move
Badger culling an acceptable move
WILDLIFE conservationists have rejected the findings of a study which found that the general public is largely unconcerned by the idea of killing badgers to control tuberculosis in cattle.
The York University study found that the public considered the governments badger culling trial to be a largely acceptable solution to the problem of bovine TB. Researchers Piran White and Susanne Whiting questioned 100 people in York and in Glastonbury. They concluded the public find the governments badger culling trial a reasonably acceptable option.
The findings, published in the Veterinary Record on Aug 12, are in stark contrast to the claims of pressure groups which are opposed to killing badgers. But the National Federation of Badger Groups said the study was flawed. It claimed that respondents were given the impression that the problem of bovine TB could have implications for human health and killing badgers was the only solution.
Speaking to FARMERS WEEKLY, Dr Whiting said the study had aimed to give people full information about culling. He said: "Given very little facts and told that badgers are going to be killed people are always going to say that they object. But given more facts including the farming perspective and people are much more amenable to the idea."
A MAFF spokeswoman said the ministry accepted there was a need to better inform the public and was working on better ways to communicate. The ministry already tried to make information available on its web-site.
distributed leaflets and made an effort to go into the regions to talk to the public and media, she added.