As part of Defra’s TB eradication efforts they are looking to end the licencing of any Badger culls next year, unless there are exceptional circumstances in individual cases.
The culling of Badgers will be phased out and the government will support a vaccination and surveillance programme.
Some culling would be allowed where there was an epidemiological assessment to the contrary.
In another move the government is looking at its ability to revoking licences issued in 2021 and 2022 after two years.
Scientists are continuing to work on the development of a cattle vaccine with a timetable of five years for introduction.
In a Defra consultation being held, that ends on March 24. 2021, they are working towards bringing cattle and wildlife together.
According to Defra Bovine TB has resulted in over 27,000 cattle being put down in 2020.
Areas where there had been a badger culls saw a reduction in the cases of Bovine TB of 51% after four years.
The RSPCA has called for all culls to cease completely by the end of 2022.
Farmers have their concerns – Martin Towler, Scald End Farm, Thurleigh when asked for his thoughts said: “My main concern is over vaccination, will British beef producers be allowed to export their meat to Europe?”
Mike Hurley, Hill Farm, Sharnbrook said: “We are not directly affected in this area as we are on a 48-month testing regime but I can understand the concerns of farmers just up the road in east Northants who have their herds tested every 12 months.”
