Scientist defends badger culls

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Sir David King is giving evidence to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) select committee in the wake of a report published earlier this week in which he backed killing badgers in areas where there was a "high and persistent" incidence of the disease in cattle.

The committee of MPs will also hear from Professor John Bourne, former chairman of the Independent Scientific Group (ISG) on Cattle TB which earlier this year said badger culling could make "no meaningful contribution" to combating rising levels of TB among cattle.

In his report published on Monday, Prof King said the wild animals were a clear source of infection for the disease in cattle and reducing their numbers in areas where there was a significant level of infection in cattle reduced the incidence of bovine TB.

He based his advice to Defra on analysis of the ISG's research taken from the randomised badger culling trials in 30 areas of England.

But while the ISG said destroying badgers was not an effective way to control the spread of TB in cattle, because of high costs and low benefits, Sir David said a cull was the "best option available at the moment to reduce the reservoir of infection in wildlife".

His report, which was originally submitted to Defra in July, has reignited the controversy over a badger cull, which is supported by farmers but questioned by conservationists.

Bovine TB is a serious infectious disease in cattle, which has public health implications and major economic consequences. According to Defra, TB in cattle cost the taxpayer £80 million in 2006/07.

The Environment Department has faced calls from farmers to introduce a cull, but after Prof King's recommendations were made public this week, a Defra spokeswoman said no decision on a cull was imminent.