I WRITE in response to a letter submitted by Michael Sharratt, of Badger Trust Cymru, Cwmcoile, in the Journal on October 1.

Mr Sharratt does not seem to appreciate the different policy in Wales and England.

The Assembly is committed to a policy to eradicate bovine TB (bTB), while Defra has a policy of containment. The Rural Affairs Minister, as well as the Assembly in plenary session, concluded that tackling bTB in wildlife as well as cattle is necessary in order to eradicate the disease.

Evidence from across the world supports their decision.

The conclusions of the lSG report, which Mr Sharratt uses to support his claim is based on the system of culling used in the trials.

In spite of the limitations of the methods used, analysis of herd breakdowns after the end of the trial showed a "greater than anticipated" reduction in TB incidences, with confirmed cattle herd breakdowns 54 per cent lower than inside survey-only areas.

The culling trial area is the only area in England and Wales to show a reduction in herd breakdowns.

Given the cowardly attacks on Farming Union offices by so-called "badger lovers", it is not surprising that members wish their details to remain confidential.

Members of conservation groups have been involved in the policy decision to eradicate bTB in Wales.

The badger groups have decided, before details of the culling trails have been published, to take legal action against the minister. This adds to further delay and extra legal costs on tax payers.

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