HC Deb 20 January 1999 vol 323 cc498-9W
Mr. Paice

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many of the study areas required by the Krebs report to investigate links between badgers and bovine TB have(a) been identified, (b) been surveyed and (c) been announced, and in how many study areas the study has been (i) commenced and (ii) suspended. [66080]

Mr. Rooker

The Krebs report concluded that a minimum of 30, 100 square kilometre areas be used for the randomised badger culling trial as part of a wider programme including epidemiological and research work. This recommendation was supported by the Independent Scientific Group appointed to advise on the implementation of the Krebs report recommendations. The areas will be grouped into triplets each containing three areas, one subject to proactive culling, one to reactive culling and the third a control area where no culling will take place.

The first two triplets were designated by the Group in August 1998 and announced on 17 August. One was on the Devon and Cornwall border and the other on the borders of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. The remaining 24 areas (8 triplets) are to be phased in over the next two years, and will be in areas where the incidence of TB in cattle is historically highest and where there is the greatest risk of contiguous and repeat breakdowns. The next triplets will be identified shortly, and will then be announced.

Once a triplet is identified and mapped, land holders are contacted and asked for permission to survey the land for badger activity and to remove badgers from culling areas. Although participation in the trial is on a voluntary basis, the overwhelming majority of land holders agreed to take part. Visiting and surveying in the first two triplets began on 28 August. Surveying of the Devon/Cornwall triplet was completed at the end of November, and is continuing in the other triplet.

On 4 November 1998, in accordance with prescribed procedures and in the presence of an independent witness, each area in the Devon/Cornwall triplet was randomly allocated one of the three treatments (proactive, reactive, survey only). Cage trapping of badgers in the area around Putford which had been allocated proactive culling was carried out from 2 to 13 December 1998 inclusive. Work in the area progressed as planned and was not disrupted significantly. 238 badgers were caught and humanely despatched by shooting. The carcases were subject to post mortem examination in MAFF laboratories and samples have been taken for further analysis.

Once the initial proactive culling is complete in a triplet the comparative study of TB incidents in cattle begins. This is the position in the Cornwall/Devon triplet where TB incidents in the three trial areas are being monitored. Where a new TB incident is confirmed in the reactive culling area, arrangements will be made to cull badgers from social groups associated with the farm involved. No culling will take place during the closed season which runs from 1 February to 30 April inclusive.

Work has not been suspended in any area.