A large number of people have written to me about government proposals for the culling of badgers in England which, as we know, has been delayed until summer 2013.
As there is now a chance for a period of reflection, I want to explore the issue of cattle vaccination. My understanding is that this is outlawed by the EU because they would be unable to distinguish between vaccinated cattle and cattle infected with TB.
I have therefore written a short letter to the UK Environment Secretary, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and the President of the NFU to ask the following:
1) What is the legal position on vaccinating cattle against TB?
2) If it is not legal under EU law, what steps are being taken to amend legislation?
3) What danger is any does bovine TB pose to members of the public who eat meat or drink milk from infected cattle?
4) If there is no danger to the public, then why is it so imperative to take any action at all over bovine TB?
5) Which other countries worldwide have used a cull to control TB and how effective has it been?
Although I support the government position, I would agree with most correspondants that a solution involving vaccination would be far preferable to a cull if it could be made to work.
Response from David Heath CBE MP, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food
