Local Euro MP
and Labours Agriculture spokesman in the European Parliament, Brian
Simpson, has warned that Bovine Tuberculosis now threatens the
North West Region. Presently 35% of the UK is affected by
this disease with over 40,000 cows slaughtered as a result.
So far outbreaks have badly affected the South and South West, but
now confirmed cases in Derbyshire and Staffordshire would indicate
the disease is spreading northwards.
"At the moment
the North West is not an affected area but it is my belief that
unless something is done urgently, then we soon will
be".
"I've written
to the Secretary of State requesting urgent action to help stop the
spread of this disease, which will have a devastating effect on our
regions livestock industry" said Mr.
Simpson.
Opinion is
divided as to what needs to be done. Farmers and the NFU
believe that there is a need to cull badgers in Bovine TB hot spot
areas, as they believe badgers are carriers of the
disease.
However,
conservationists oppose this strongly. They believe no
evidence exists linking badgers to the spread of this desease
to cattle, and that farmers are using the disease as an excuse to
control badger numbers.
"There is no
doubt that the Government finds itself stuck between a rock and a
hard place on this issue. But my concern is that something
needs to be done to stop the spread of this disease and we need an
urgent decision, one way or the other, as soon as
possible.
If we can stop
this disease without culling badgers, then I would support
that. But if the experts tell us culling badgers is the only
way then we must seriously consider this an option. Either
way, we need a Government decision and we need it quickly"
said Mr. Simpson
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