Badgers killed illegally by one in ten Welsh farmers
Researchers involved in the study toured agricultural shows and markets asking farmers to participate in the experiment. The aim of the study was to determine how many farmers targeted badgers, which are blamed by many for the spread of bovine TB.
According to the findings, approximately 10 per cent of farmers had killed a badger in the 12 months prior to being approached. This figure rose to 14.5 per cent amongst cattle farmers. The researchers, who are from Bangor University, the University of Kent and Kingston University, noted that even sheep farmers, whose animals are not affected by bovine TB, reported badger killing. The research paper said:
"The finding that 6.7% of sheep-only farmers reported killing badgers is intriguing as there is no explicit reason for such behaviour. It may suggest a background level of badger-killing for sport, or that farmers have a collective sense of responsibility to control badgers, particularly in regions where sheep and cattle farms share boundaries."
Researchers voiced concerns that killing small amounts of badgers in an uncontrolled way could in fact increase the spread of bovine TB, as infected badgers will move on to other areas when their social groups are disrupted.
The survey was conducted at five major agricultural shows and 12 farmers markets across Wales, where researchers spoke to 428 farmers. A "randomised response technique" was used which asked those questioned to roll two dice that would dictate whether or not they should answer honestly. This method is sometimes used to research difficult or controversial subjects. Individuals are protected as researchers do not see the die roll, but there is an estimated margin of error of 5 per cent each way.
Paul Cross from Bangor University's school of environment, natural resources and geography, believes the findings are important to this year's trial badger cull. "The proportion of farmers estimated to have killed badgers should be considered by policymakers and in the wider debate."
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.
