The badger culling programme, which ran from 2013 to 2020, aimed to tackle the issue of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in England's cattle population. The programme, which was implemented by Natural England, resulted in the culling of almost 250,000 badgers across 40 areas. Proponents of the programme argue that it showed promise in reducing the incidence of bTB in cattle, with a 2018 study suggesting that culling in one area reduced the number of infected herds by 26%.
However, opponents of the programme, including animal welfare groups and some scientists, claim that it was a 'travesty' that failed to achieve its intended goals. They argue that the culling was not an effective way to control bTB, and that other methods, such as vaccination and improved biosecurity, are more effective. A 2020 review by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) found that the culling programme was not effective in reducing bTB in cattle.
The debate over the effectiveness of the badger culling programme highlights the complexities of animal disease control and the need for a more nuanced approach. While the programme may have shown some promise, its limitations and controversies make it a contentious issue.