BADGERS are an icon for the South West, with their image being used for different occasions, eg as a logo for local pubs and beers.

I do understand that some farmers are not very keen on them as the animals are accused of spreading bovine TB among cattle.

What I don’t understand, however, is why the government and the NFU are backing a new program of culling badgers which a) obviously has shown no serious effects the last time it was laid out (2013 Gloucestershire trial), b) has lost both medical and scientific support (read DEFRA’s own independent expert panel and the latest statement of British veterinaries) and c) seems to be extremely expensive when you compare the costs of culling against vaccinating badgers.

Wouldn’t it be better to invest money and resources into badger vaccination programmes, together with local farmers?

Programmes which are more cost-efficient and effective then culling these lovely creatures?

Who knows: One day we might be able to get beef meat in the super-market with a “badger friendly” label on it, just like the “dolphin friendly” fished tuna we already buy.

HAGEN GERLE

Forde Abbey Chard