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The Badger Trust appeals against cull decision
Appeal launched after bid failed

The Badger Trust has launched an appeal after its bid to block a badger cull in England failed. The judge ruled against the trust which claimed that the government acted illegally.

The trust said it was appealing on three grounds, including one that a cull would prompt a spread of the disease rather than prevent it. A spokesperson for The Badger Trust said it had not taken the decision to proceed to the Court of Appeal lightly and it will do "everything possible to ensure the safe survival of this iconic species".

The spokesperson added: "It underlines the trust's strong belief that the government's proposals to kill badgers in England are likely to do more harm than good,"

After the ruling last week, a Defra spokesman said: "No-one wants to cull badgers, but last year bovine TB led to the slaughter of over 26,000 cattle. We will continue to work with the farming industry so badger control in two pilot areas can start as soon as is practical."

A cull is likely to go ahead in west Gloucestershire and west Somerset.

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Government releases latest bluetongue statistics

APHA has confirmed the number of bluetongue cases that have been logged in the UK since 1 July 2026.

The total number of BTV-3 cases, as of 6 August, is 187. This includes 183 cases in England and four cases in Wales.

There have been no recorded cases in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The location of premises in Great Britain where at least one animal has tested positive by PCR for BTV-3, BTV-8 or BTV-12 is available on the bluetongue case map. All livestock keepers in Great Britain are urged to familiarise themselves with nation-specific bluetongue control policies.

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement that any suspicions, even if livestock has been vaccinated, are reported immediately.