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Poll shows badger cull attitudes

YouGov survey reveals public opinions

The results of a recent YouGov survey have revealed that the majority of people either support or are indifferent to the pilot badger cull, which began on June 1.

Of the 1,763 people to take part in the survey, 29 per cent said they supported the cull, while 22 per cent were unaware of it, and 15 per cent had no strong feelings regarding the issue.

Furthermore, the survey revealed that only 2 per cent of people regarded the badger cull as one of the most important issues facing the UK at the moment.

The survey found also that while 34 per cent of respondents were opposed to the cull, over a quarter of these said they would change their mind if the cull prevented TB from spreading to other parts of the country.

The results have been welcomed by the National Farmer's Union (NFU). Vice-president Adam Quinney said: "If we are to successfully tackle TB action has to be taken to deal with the reservoir of disease in our wildlife.

"Evidence from countries such as Ireland and New Zealand shows that when all fronts of the disease are tackled at the same time a significant reduction in TB can be achieved."

The badger cull, however, remains widely debated, with charities including the RSPCA and the Humane Society banding together to form Team Badger.

A report was issued by Team Badger on the eve of the cull, debating that the cull will be ineffective. 

 

Related News
Badger cull will be ineffective, say charities
Pilot badger culls approved

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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.