MOST farmers find it very frustrating to see the amount of publicity being given to the anti-badger cull and people like Brian May. Unfortunately Brian May and co have either been very misinformed or are totally ignoring many of the facts. To make the statement that the badger cull 'flies in the face of science' is the exact opposite to the truth. They are obviously unaware that TB was brought under control by badger culling in the 1970s and 1980s. It has only become a problem since 1992 when badgers were protected. The Thornbury Trial was completely effective in eradicating TB for 20 years. It has also been demonstrated in Dorset and in other countries including more recently Ireland.

After 10 years of badgers being protected from 1992, the number of cattle affected with TB rose from an all time low of 638 to about 24,000 per year. The number of herds affected went up from 351 in 1988 to 5,317 by 2003. Well over 200,000 cattle have had to be culled because of TB since 2003. When you know the real science of TB, which is not on the side of the badger, you will understand why farmers just cannot understand why people, who claim to be animal lovers, seem totally unconcerned about so many cattle being needlessly killed. Farmers see their cattle frequently and get attached to them, but anti-badger cull people rarely see badgers. Are they really animal lovers?

The badger population has grown so much since it has been protected, as they have no natural predators. Some people now look upon badgers as pests because they kill hedgehogs and ground nesting birds as well as damaging gardens, golf courses etc. Badger setts are perfect for spreading TB - underground and limited airspace. It must be a horrible death for badgers and vaccination will not help those with TB at all. Farmers don't want to see all badgers killed, but they know from their past experience that culling badgers is the only way the TB has been controlled. Vaccination may have a place at some point in the future, but we have to face the reality that it may never be successful - there are some big obstacles to overcome. The livestock industry has suffered for far too long because weak governments have dithered over this issue. If we don't get action from a strong government soon, our ability as a country to supply a lot of our own food could get much more difficult. We badly need action now.

For Brian May to suggest that farmers are only interested in getting rich sounds like a sick joke coming from him. Most farmers would be very pleased to have a fraction of his income.

Livestock farmer

(Name and address supplied)