Bovine TB is a serious disease, so I support the Government's commitment to use all available means to address it through a comprehensive strategy for England to be TB free by 2038.
Cattle movement controls and testing are being strengthened to stop infection spreading between herds, and herd owners are being encouraged to improve their own biosecurity. Nevertheless, as lessons have shown from countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, where there is a reservoir of disease in wildlife this must be tackled through culling. Leading vets have supported this approach and improvements to humaneness and effectiveness are being made following the first trial year based on recommendations from the Independent Expert Panel.
The Government intends to give Parliament an opportunity to repeal the Hunting Act on a free vote, with a government bill in government time.
Update: November 2016
Badger control operations in Somerset, Gloucestershire and Dorset have all been successful in meeting their targets, and, following advice from the Chief Veterinary Office, seven additional licences have now been granted for parts of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Cornwall, Devon and Dorset.
I believe that all necessary measures must be used to eradicate this devastating disease, and I am pleased to note early success. The Low Risk Area, covering over half of England, is on track to be officially TB-free by the end of 2019, which would be the first time this has been achieved anywhere in England.