In the letter, Mr Roberts points out a number of inaccuracies in the piece, and draws attention to peer-reviewed evidence that badger culling delivers reductions in bovine TB of up to 66%.
The letter reads as follows:
Sir,
A letter is barely sufficient to correct all of the inaccuracies in Steve Backshall’s Thunderer column. Where do I begin? Contrary to what he wrote, the facts are that:
- Peer-reviewed evidence shows that badger culling is working, delivering reductions in bovine TB of up to 66%.
- Over 60% of new TB incidents in High Risk Areas are attributed to badgers.
- Peer-reviewed research shows no evidence that infected badgers move out of cull zones and infect badgers elsewhere
- There is no peer-reviewed evidence that shows badger vaccination delivering reductions in TB breakdowns in cattle.
It is a shame that this column was so inaccurate and misleading on an issue which continues to devastate farming families up and down the country, causing them huge strain mentally, emotionally and financially. We welcome debate but please, stick to the facts.
Stuart Roberts
NFU Deputy President
More from the NFU on bovine TB:
More from NFUonline:
- Join our virtual events this party conference season
- NFU Live: Events from the NFU this autumn
- Watch now: Your weekly video update from the President
- What happened on Back British Farming Day?
- Download our Back British Farming Day report: British Farming: Setting the standard
- How you can inform the NFU's response to national planning policy reform
