CLAIMS that badger cull data from England support the success of badger culling in dealing with bovine TB have been challenged by wildlife groups.

They also cite evidence from scientists who claim who claim that the prevalence of TB in cattle is no lower than it was before this industrial scale of culling 3656 badgers.

Following results from culls in Somerset and Gloucestershire, the Farmers' Union of Wales claimed incidents of TB in cattle had fallen in England where massive badger culling has taken place.

Whitland-based Michael Sharratt of Badger Trust Cymru said: "Why does the FUW insist on a larger badger cull when it is proven that it does not give the desired result? This is based on Government claims that badger culling in Somerset and Gloucestershire is ‘delivering results’.

"However, this has recently been disputed by over 20 scientists and vets who claim that the prevalence of TB in cattle is no lower than it was before this industrial scale of culling 3656 badgers.

"They say that “any statement made to the contrary is untrue. In Somerset TB in cattle fell to 6.1 per cent before the badger culling and rising to 7.2 per cent after four years of badger culling.

"In Gloucestershire TB in cattle fell to 6.9 per cent before badger culling and rising to 7.2 per cent after four years of badger culling."

Mr Sharratt added that it should be remembered that the abandoned Wales randomised badger culling trial stated in its overall conclusion that ‘badger culling cannot meaningfully contribute to control cattle TB in Britain’.

"Surely it is very obvious even to the FUW and the Farming Minister in England that the culling of badgers has not helped to decrease TB or been a ‘success’ in cattle and the claims are most misleading and should be withdrawn," he said.