Vol. 542 No. 5
220 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on whether killing badgers is a solution to the bovine tuberculosis problem; and his further views on whether the use of the wire snare is unacceptably cruel and should be banned. [25141/01]
The significance of the role of the badger in the spread of bovine tuberculosis is accepted by veterinary scientists who have examined the evidence in detail. They now generally accept that the reservoir of infec tion in the badger population is a major constraint to the eradication of bovine tuberculosis in cattle.
My Department has in the past evaluated various methods for capturing badgers. The method currently used is considered to be the most humane method available. Though commonly referred to as a snare, this is technically incorrect as the device is designed specifically to restrain rather than to squeeze on the target animal. The stop on the loop prevents tightening and there is also a runner on the loop which prevents loosening and subsequent escape of the restrained badger.
To date there are no reports to give rise to concern about the use of these devices. I am conscious of the welfare aspect and alternative methods of capture, including cages and leg cuffs, have been examined but not adopted as no welfare advantage has been found with any of these methods.
221 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason that agreement with the farming bodies on the tuberculosis eradication programme 2000-2003 has not been agreed. [25142/01]
A number of the package of measures provided for in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, which has the objective of reducing current levels of TB and progressing the eradication of brucellosis in the national herd, have been agreed with the farming bodies.
These include the introduction of the on farm market valuation scheme which has been phased in since February last. In addition the dedicated Department and farm relief service personnel are at present being assigned to address the wildlife source of infection in the 20% of the country which yields 50% of the reactors.
I hope the outstanding issues such as the full rolling out of the valuation scheme and the consideration of additional movement controls can be finalised shortly in further discussions with the farming organisations in the context of the animal health forum.
