TB policy and the ISG's findings

TB policy and the ISG's findings

“…These data on the impacts of rbct culling on badger populations were collected systematically and made available in the peer‐reviewed literature. This contrasts with the situation for the Hartland removal cited by Gallagher and others (2007); although they claim that ‘in excess of 80 per cent to almost 90 per cent of badgers were removed’, we are not aware of any systematic data, published or otherwise, available to support this claim.…”

“…SIR, — We have read with interest the criticisms of the randomised badger culling trial ( rbct ) made by Gallagher and others (2007); we consider them to have no scientific basis. While the authors contrast the rbct findings with the results of ‘previous trials in this country’, in fact no scientifically designed controlled trials of badger culling had been conducted in Britain before the rbct .…”

“…In relation to badger removal, Gallagher and others (2007) cite a 22 per cent reduction in badger activity after proactive culling. This is incorrect.…”