Correspondence

Bovine TB: authorisation for supplementary badger control in 2018

Authorisation for supplementary badger control in Gloucestershire and Somerset.

Applies to England

Documents

Area 1 - Gloucestershire authorisation letter

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Area 2 - Somerset authorisation letter

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Details

Natural England has confirmed that all criteria have been met to allow 2 supplementary badger control areas to be authorised to continue operations in Gloucestershire and Somerset in 2018.

Operations in these areas will be carried out under 5-year licences which allow culling to take place every year between 1 June and 31 January (inclusive).

Start dates for culling activity within this period will be decided by the licensed companies.

Natural England has confirmed to licensees the permitted maximum and minimum numbers of badgers that will be subject to control operations.

Defra’s guidance to Natural England, dated May 2018, specifies the criteria Natural England must take account of in developing and issuing licences.

Licences only permit badger control to take place outside of the close seasons:

  • controlled shooting – 1 February to 31 May
  • cage-trapping and shooting – 1 December to 31 May
  • cage-trapping and vaccination – 1 December to 30 April
Published 6 July 2018