Badger cull - politics or health?

It was reported this week that Britain's chief scientist has called for large numbers of badgers to be culled to stop the spread of tuberculosis among cattle. I don't think the word 'epidemic' has been used (yet) but according to Sir David King, who will today give evidence to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs select committee, "now was the time for action".

Various parties have lined up on either side of what could become a pretty bloody battle (literally). Wildlife supporters are up in arms, while farming leaders support the cull. As one who is now automatically suspicious of the many fanciful claims made by scientific and medical "experts", I'm firmly on the side of the badgers.

The Daily Mail reported that:

Critics of culling, including the RSPCA, accused Sir David of advocating 'senseless slaughter' and relying on political rather than scientific arguments.

Professor John Bourne, who wrote the report of the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB, said Sir David's advice was not consistent with current science. He said such a policy was more in line "with the political need to do something" about the problem.

The RSPCA said a cull would mean "senseless slaughter, enormous suffering and would be scientifically bankrupt". Rob Atkinson, the charity's head of wildlife science, said: "This latest report seems to be less about science, and more about caving in to pressure to do something even if that something is the worst possible option.

I am further persuaded, not only by my own healthy scepticism (born of experience), but by comments attributed to Meurig Raymond, deputy president of the National Farmers' Union, who said: "Now that we have scientific endorsement for the principle of badger culling, there can be no further excuse for the Government not to act."

"Scientific endorsement ... no further excuse for the Government not to act." Now, where have I heard that before?

Full story HERE and HERE.

Comments

[Lyn]

I think this is needless, disgusting slaughter that is permitted in order to subdue the bloodlust of certain people. I am certainly with you Simon about being extremely sceptical of anything that is apparently 'scientifically proven' or whatever other wording they wish to use, just as I am about any health reports coming from the health bodies!

Anyway, if I remember correctly, a few weeks ago there was a report that said it was cattle that was giving TB to the badgers! It certainly wouldn't suprise me.