09/03/2011

Ellin Jones has today announced that a pilot cull of badgers will go ahead in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire where bovine TB is endemic.

Wales’ Rural affairs minister Elin Jones today (9th March) authorised a cull of badgers in an Intensive Action Area in the west of Wales. The order will be laid before the National Assembly today, and is expected to come into force on the 31 March.  

She acknowledged that her decision would “cause some people genuine concern,” but stressed her convictions a cull is the correct path to follow, saying, “It is a decision I have taken based on full consideration of the matter.’’

The decision to lay the Badger (Control Area) (Wales) Order 2011 follows a three-month consultation of the proposals.

Jones issues statement on decision

In a statement issued this afternoon the Minister said, "Since becoming minister for rural affairs in 2007 I have committed to pursue the eradication of bovine TB from Wales. Over the past three years the management of bovine TB in Wales has been transformed and I would like to thank everyone especially, cattle farmers, vets, valuers and Animal Health in Wales who have worked with us over this period.

The majority of measures implemented so far have been designed to reduce the risk of transmission of bovine TB between cattle. They are designed to have an effect, but it is too early to say that these measures are the cause of the recent improvements in TB figures.

Current policies alone are not expected to produce a sustained reduction that would ultimately lead to the eradication of bovine TB in areas of Wales endemic with bovine TB, whilst other main sources of infection remain unchecked. I have always maintained the need for a comprehensive approach to the eradication of bovine TB.

After full consideration of the evidence presented to me, including consideration of the responses to the recent Consultation on Badger Control in the Intensive Action Area, I have reached the decision to proceed with legislation which would enable a government led cull of badgers in the Intensive Action Area.”