BVA welcomes ratification of Welsh badger cull

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed a High Court decision to uphold the legality of a targeted badger cull in Wales, which is designed to combat bovine tuberculosis.

A judicial review into the Welsh Assembly-proposed cull was initiated at the behest of the Badger Trust charity, but the court has elected to back the government’s stance.

This decision has been received positively by both the BVA and the British Cattle Veterinary Association, with the latter organisation suggesting that similar culls should be conducted across the UK.

Professor Bill Reilly, president of the BVA, conceded that the cull represents a “highly emotive issue” and acknowledged that many will be disappointed with the High Court’s ruling.

However, he added: “It is essential that a wide range of measures are employed to tackle [bovine tuberculosis] and we believe that should include a targeted cull of badgers.”

This cull will be introduced alongside stricter measures on cattle control in Wales, which the BVA also described as having “huge importance” in fighting the spread of the disease.