Anger over badger cull decision

The apparent decision, which has not yet been confirmed, would go against the advice of the former chief scientific adviser, Sir David King. It has been warmly welcomed by animal rights groups.

National Farmers' Union chairman Peter Kendall said whole businesses were being wiped out by TB.

He said 28,000 cattle had to be slaughtered last year and that was on course to rise to almost 40,000 this year.

Reacting to the reported decision he said: "If it's true it's devastating for the farming families who are really suffering at the hands of TB in their cattle.

"It's devastating their family businesses, it's ruining their lives. It's something we've got to act on."

Mr Kendall said screening and losses due to TB cost the farming industry around £200 million per year, and the government £100 million in compensation.

Sir David reported that a cull "could make a significant contribution to the control of cattle TB in those areas of England were there is a high and persistent incidence of TB in cattle".

However, his findings were contradicted by the Independent Scientific Group (ISG), conducted a 10 year study into culling and concluded it could not "meaningfully contribute" to controlling TB.

Areas particularly badly hit by bovine TB include south west England, south west Wales, Staffordshire and Derbyshire.