Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Thursday, 12 July 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 July 2018 (named day). It was answered by George Eustice (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 July 2018 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will suspend all cage trapping of badgers in cull areas owing to the unusually dry and hot weather.

Answer: Natural England has published guidance to provide clear direction to those licensed to carry out the cage-trapping and dispatch of badgers to prevent the spread of bovine TB in cattle. It provides recommendations on best practice and highlights those areas of the technique that must be complied with, including licence conditions. The guidance ensures that licensed badger culling is done in a humane way, including reducing the risks of trapped badgers suffering exposure due to severe weather (extremes of hot or cold). Natural England keeps this under review during the course of licensed operations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 163504
Session: 2017-19
Subjects: Animal welfare Badgers Disease control Weather Bovine tuberculosis Trapping
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk