Good news for badgers: TB vaccine for cattle
A big investment in vaccines to tackle Bovine TB was announced by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today as he said that Government policy was that licences should not be issued to allow badger culling
Mr Benn announced that £20 million will be invested over the next three years in developing usable cattle and badger vaccines.
Mr Benn said that the decision was based on a wide range of evidence, including discussions with farming, veterinary, wildlife and conservation groups; the conclusions of the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB (ISG); and the EFRA Select Committee Report.
Hilary Benn said: "Having listened carefully to a wide range of views from scientists, farming, veterinary and wildlife organisations, and many others, and having considered all the evidence, I have decided that while such a cull might work, it might also not work. It could end up making the disease worse if it was not sustained over time or delivered effectively, and public opposition, including the unwillingness of some landowners to take part, would render this more difficult.
