Agree autumn cull would have been 'irresponsible' 

Major farming organisations and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) have given their support to the decision to delay the badger culls until late spring next year.

Despite the frustration the postponement will cause amongst farmers, farm leaders and vets agree that proceeding with the cull this autumn would have been 'irresponsible'.

Harry Cotterell, President of the Country Land and Business Association, cited a 'regrettable' series of factors that had conspired to make the cull impossible this year, saying "it would be irresponsible to press on with the trials if the required 70 per cent cull target cannot be met within the remaining time available."

However, he added: "It is vital the cull happens next year and we back the secretary of state's absolute commitment to going ahead with the trials then as part of the government's programme of measures to fight the terrible scourge of bovine TB."

Peter Jones, President of the BVA, commented: "Although vets and farmers in the bovine TB endemic areas will be frustrated by the delay in implementing the pilot badger culls, we are relieved DEFRA has firmly stated there has been no change in government policy.

"The science has not changed. Scientists agree culling badgers reduces the levels of infection in cattle herds, and we know no country has dealt with bovine TB without tackling the disease in wildlife."