On Thursday, AHVLA published survey figures which suggest an increase in the number of badger social groups in England. The study showed that the number of badger setts across England appear to have doubled over the past 25 years.

However, the study's authors said that, as social groups can vary in size, the survey results do not necessarily relate to the number of individual badgers; carrying out accurate population assessments of the retiring, nocturnal creatures is notoriously difficult.

Reacting to the findings, NFU vice-president Adam Quinney said the AHVLA study vindicated farmers who have long said that badger populations are on the increase. He added, "Badgers have been proven to be infectious to cattle when they have TB…. Which is why controlling the reservoir of disease in wildlife has to be a crucial part of any strategy to control and eradicate TB in this country."

However, the AHVLA scientists behind the study maintain the results in no way show a growth in badger population; rather, the authors said their findings, whilst a "poor predictor of badger numbers and group size," may indicate the benefits brought by legal protection of the species and their habitat. In Wales, the number of active setts apparently showed little variation over the same period.  

Mark Jones, veterinarian and Executive Director of Humane Society International/UK commented, "In light of worrying declines in many of our native species, the fact that badgers appear to be managing relatively well in our heavily human-influenced countryside should be cause for celebration. However, these survey results do not in any way support arguments for badger population controls, or for any relaxation of their protected status."

He continued, "It would be hugely irresponsible for Ministers or the NFU to hi-jack this survey for their own political ends. A survey of badger social groups is not the same thing at all as an estimate of individual badger numbers and any talk of badger overpopulation is completely unfounded."

Jones was also critical of the government for having "neglected to investigate" apparent dramatic declines in badger population over the space of a year in the two cull zones of Gloucestershire and Somerset, before pilot badger culling trials began in 2013.

Badger persecution remains a major issue in England. Before culling started in the South-West several constabularies announced they had made the illegal killing of badgers a wildlife crime priority. During the Somerset cull an investigation uncovered evidence of illegal persecution, including gassing of badgers by organised groups, including farmers.

On Friday (17th January) Hampshire police appealed for information from the public after "buckets" of poison were poured into badger setts next to a public footpath on the Isle of Wight.