We understand the hardship that bTB causes in the farming community and the need to find the right mechanisms to control the disease. However, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust believes extending the badger cull deadline is not the answer. Badgers are not the primary cause of the spread of bTB in cattle: the primary route of infection is from cattle-to-cattle.  

Scientific evidence demonstrates that culling is likely to be ineffective in fighting the disease and risks making the problem even worse.    

We believe an evidence-based and scientifically reliable approach must be developed quickly to counteract the risk posed to cattle by bTB. There is work being done to accelerate the introduction of an effective cattle vaccine and improved bTB testing in cattle, which offers the best long-term way to reduce bTB in the cattle population.    

Regulations and restrictions on cattle movements as well as the development of cattle vaccine are the best approach for the farming industry and our wildlife, not extending the badger cull. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust call on the government to end the cull, accelerate the roll out of a cattle vaccine and implement livestock measures instead.