Richard Bruton
Question:115 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether research findings have justified the killing of badgers in pursuit of the bovine TB eradication programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Bovine TB Eradication Programme.
I am informed by the director of ERAD that badgers are only removed for research purposes under licence issued by the wildlife service, Office of Public Works. A significant percentage of badgers removed are found to be infected with bovine TB and it is generally accepted that they are involved in its transmission. There is a current major project in train to monitor the effect of the removal of badgers on bovine TB diseases levels, but it is too early at this stage to draw any conclusions.