Government vets gagged on badger cull

In what has been described as evidence of Government ‘paranoia’ over the issue, vets working for Animal Health have been warned they must ‘not express any disagreement’ with Defra policy on badger culling ‘at any time’.

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In a circular email, seen by Farmers Guardian, the Defra agency has told all its staff that a major announcement from Defra on TB policy, including the decision on badger culling, is expected ‘within the next few weeks’.

The message, sent by Animal Health field services director Andy Foxcroft, says it is ‘essential that all members of Animal Health are seen to support Government policy’ whatever decision is made.

“I appreciate that this maybe challenging, given the strong views some of our customers groups hold about the issues. However, I know that you will appreciate that it is critical.

“Therefore, all Animal Health staff who come into contact with customers, either by telephone or in person, will be expected to not express any disagreement with the Defra position on TB strategy at any stage,” the message reads.

The email says arrangements are being put in place to brief staff as quickly as possible once the decision is made in order to give a ‘clear explanation of the position and the rationale for it’.

The message, reiterated verbally by the agency’s management in meetings with staff, has angered some employees. One, who asked to remain anonymous, said ‘virtually all’ vets within the agency were in favour of a badger cull and that they were ‘deeply frustrated’ at the constraints placed on them over this issue.

“All of us believe that TB is a wildlife problem and that the only way it can be tackled effectively is by culling badgers,” the employee said.

Some industry figures believe that Defra Secretary Hilary Benn could announce his decision as soon as next Friday (June 13), although a Defra spokeswoman said there was no indication the announcement would be next week.

The Animal Health employee expressed fears that Mr Benn would deliver a ‘weak decision’ that ruled out a badger cull altogether or forced farmers to do the culling. “It needs to be a proper cull with Defra money behind it,” the employee said.

A former state vet, who also asked to remain anonymous, said old colleagues were ‘surprised’ by the email that smacked of ‘paranoia’.

An Animal Health spokeswoman said the agency had ‘taken the opportunity to remind our staff of the need to support’ Defra policy, whatever decision is made in order ‘to ensure there is no confusion’.

“Farmers need one clear message on the position on bTB,” she said.

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