Welsh badger vaccination decision criticised
The decision by the Welsh Government to pursue a policy of vaccinating badgers in an attempt to control the spread of Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) instead of culling has been sharply criticised as 'financial negligence' after the Welsh Government's own figures have revealed that the policy would lead to a net cost to the taxpayer of approximately £3.4 million.
Figures submitted to the Environment and Sustainability Minister John Griffiths estimated that a cull in the North Pembrokeshire Intensive Action Area would cost approximately £4.9 million but would save “at least £5,021,090” due to the reduced need for compensation following the slaughter of infected animals. However, the vaccination policy has been estimated to cost £5.7 million while only saving an estimated £2.3 million, leading to a £3.4 million net cost.
Commenting, Farmers Union of Wales (FAW) TB Spokesman Brian Walters said “As time has gone on the impact of culling has been found to be far more beneficial than some scientists had anticipated, making it at least cost-neutral, while at the same time saving the lives of cattle and preventing a great deal of heartache for farming families. The fact that the Welsh Government is now prepared to opt for a more expensive and less effective policy which will lead to a loss of £3.5 million to the taxpayer and the needless slaughter of thousands of cattle, rather than pursue a policy which science and economics tells us is best for Wales, speaks for itself. The decision is not only a betrayal of farmers but also a betrayal of taxpayers.”
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
