FUW calls for more transparency on TB impact in North Pembrokeshire
Almost four years after biosecurity visits were first instigated in the area, and more than three years after a raft of extra cattle testing and controls were introduced as part of a programme which was originally to have comprised badger culling, information about the impact of the measures has been “sparse to say the least”, […]
Badger cull farmers to remain anonymous
Farmers involved in the badger cull will not be named and shamed by the RSPCA as a result of an investigation by the Charity Commission, following a detailed complaint made by the NFU. The NFU raised a number of concerns with the Charity Commission about the RSPCA’s campaigns on the badger cull and its activities […]
CLA backs badger cull companies as pilot starts
CLA President Harry Cotterell said: “These pilot badger controls are a vital start to the programme to tackle and eradicate Bovine TB, a disease that is devastating to farmers, rural businesses and landowners. “Managing bTB in badgers is an essential part of the strategy seeking to eradicate this terrible disease from livestock and wildlife in […]
A shot in the dark – badger cull ‘lottery’ starts amid accusations of deceit, negligence and incompetence
International wildlife charity Care for the Wild has slammed the decision to go ahead with the cull, which is based on scientific evidence which actually summarises that culling badgers can have ‘no meaningful impact on the disease’. Philip Mansbridge, CEO of Care for the Wild, said: “This cull is literally a shot in the dark. […]
High Court grants injunction to protect farmers from harassment and intimidation from anti-cull activists
The injunction will prevent those opposed to the cull from carrying out a number of unlawful acts against farmers and landowners. Speaking after the judgment, NFU President Peter Kendall welcomed the decision. “Let’s be clear from the start, this has never been about preventing people from holding legitimate and legal protests. This injunction is about […]
Are TB rates in cattle still trending downwards?
Figures released today by Defra showed that the rate of bovineTB (bTB) in cattle is continuing to trend downwards, although this was not mentioned in the department’s media release. Defra’s official announcement showed that between January and May 2013,15,250 cattle were compulsorily slaughtered in Great Britain due to bovine TB. Farming minister David Heath said: […]
Is extra calcium at pre-calving going against the grain?
Two pedigree Holstein herds suffering crippling milk fever and retained foetal membranes have seen a complete transformation in results when a new concept in dry cow nutrition was introduced via pre-calver feed on their units. Mac Dunlop, who farms an 8,300 litre, autumn calving herd near Larne in Northern Ireland, suffered terrible problems with milk […]
University of East Anglia research could contain infectious disease outbreaks
Focusing on the avian flu virus strain H5N1, research published today in the journal PLOS ONE identifies key stages in the poultry trade chain which lead to its transmission to other birds, animals and humans. High risk times for the disease to spread include during transportation, slaughter, preparation and consumption. It is hoped that the […]
Edge area strategy a sensible approach to bovine TB
Defra has today announced measures that will be put in place in the areas surrounding the high incidence areas in the south and west including increased levels of TB testing of cattle in the wake of a new TB outbreak and targeted use of badger vaccination, as well as projects to determine the level of […]
