Proposals to evolve badger control policy and introduce additional cattle measures

The CLA has responded to a recent England only consultation on proposals to introduce targeted badger control, revise the cull licensing application process, and introduce greater disease risk transparency for cattle traders (via the ibTB online tool). The CLA was supportive of the proposals in the consultation. Importantly, the consultation acknowledges that badger culling is an effective means of controlling bTB, and that this is supported by scientific evidence. It is good news for cattle farming members that targeted culling will remain on the table. The proposals to revise the licensing application process are also welcomed, as it will remove NE from the process, delegating the decision to the Secretary of State, who will be advised by APHA and the UK CVO. The proposals to add additional information on disease risk and trading patterns on the ibTB online tool are also welcomed. They should improve transparency for cattle traders, though the information needs to be clearly explained and frequently updated to avoid misleading.