The first pilot badger control operations have begun in west Gloucestershire and west Somerset, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said today.
In a letter to its members, NFU president Peter Kendall said the cull was “an important step not just for cattle farmers but for the whole farming industry”.
He wrote: “We cannot go on culling tens of thousands of cattle every year because of TB while knowing the disease exists in wildlife uncontrolled.
“It is why the NFU will be working with the pilot companies to ensure the successful delivery of these pilot culls over the coming weeks.”
Informing NFU members that the cull had started, Mr Kendall wrote: I know that many of you reading this will have suffered the misery of dealing with TB on farm some of you for decades and I hope now you will feel that something isfinally being done to stem the cycle of infection between cattle and badgers…
“Badger control remains a controversial subject and we understand that some people will never agree with controlling badgers in this way.
“I am confident however that through the combined efforts of farmers, the NFU and government over the last year to illustrate the impact TB has on farms, and the scientific basis for badger control, more people than ever recognise the need to address the disease in badgers.”
Around 5,000 badgers are expected to be culled in west Gloucestershire and west Somerset over the next six weeks, where two pilot schemes are taking place in an attempt to stop the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB).
But there is widespread opposition to the cull. Campaigners turned out in large numbers at the two pilot sites to protest against what they have called an “inhumane” measure.
But Mr Kendall said that he hoped people would come to understand that the culls are “absolutely necessary”.
He said: “It is also useful to remember our own survey this summer, which showed that two thirds of the public either support or have no opinion on these badger culls.
“I hope that when time shows that these culls have reduced TB in cattle just as has happened in Ireland that even more people will understand that while sad, these culls are absolutely necessary.
“I hope that you will continue to show support for those farmers who are facing the nightmare of TB on farm and especially for those who are in the culling areas.
“You can rest assured that the NFU is working hard to support its members and the companies concerned with the culls.”
Somerset Badger Patrol held a vigil event in Minehead against the cull.
A statement on its Facebook page after the event said: “Over 200 people tonight at the procession, thank you all so much for coming… We fight on, knowing that we are right helps.”
On Thursday a High Court judge made an order to stop farmers involved in badger culls being harassed and abused.
Mr Justice Turner granted an injunction at a High Court hearing in London after lawyers representing the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said farmers had been targeted.