Cattle TB – Hunting for a Reason

Write to the Government

Write to the Government!: Tell them that no ‘cull’ of badgers can take place – especially as there are unanswered questions about the role that hunting might play in the spread of TB.

Below are suggested letters, but please do personalise yours if you have time.

Wales | England

Wales:

Post: John Griffiths AM, Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, Welsh Government, 5th Floor, Ty Hywel, Cardiff Bay, CF99 1NA

Email: correspondence.john.griffiths@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Welsh letter

“Dear Mr Griffiths

I am writing to ask whether the practice of hunting has been considered as a vector for the spread of TB across the countryside in Wales?

It is my understanding that Wales’ Chief Vet Christianne Glossop does not rule out the theoretical possibility that hunts play a role in the spreading of TB, but says that there is currently no evidence.

There is no evidence of this because it has never been fully investigated (the Independent Scientific Group report on bovine TB did not appear to consider hunting). That does not mean that it isn’t a considerable vector and until now has been overlooked.

Therefore, I ask that you to consider this fully. It is even more pressing given the fact that David Cameron has recently made clear his support for overturning the ban on hunting foxes with dogs, which, if it happened, would potentially increase the amount of hunting across parts of England and Wales. A simple glance at where bovine TB incidences are at their highest in England and Wales appears to show a correlation with incidences of trail and drag hunting with hounds. Currently, there are over 170 hunts with foxhounds still operating.

I believe that there is a case to be made that the sheer size, breadth and nature of hunts could provide a vector for spreading TB across large swathes of land. Typically, hunts consist of around 20 horses, 30-40 dogs and 2-3 quad bikes (plus in some case spectators). Hunts often go out up to three times a week and vary their courses – and hunt areas often cross borders (and even between England and Wales).

TB can exist in soil for a very long time – and in cattle faeces for up to 8 weeks. It seems very likely that the infection could be spread via animals used for hunting (on their feet and even the noses of hounds) and vehicles criss-crossing large areas of land – and often areas where normal vehicles would not have access; potentially ‘whipping up’ infection and taking with them. Even if the hunt does not cross an area of land that currently holds cattle, it may still go through areas of land that have done so recently (and could contain actively infected soil or faeces). It is also a possibility that cattle may be brought onto land that the hunt has recently crossed. Farmers partaking in hunting could take the infection back to their farms.

At the very least this appears to be a significant biosecurity concern, but it could also be a vital part in the answer to stopping the spread of TB. I know a decision will be made soon about whether badger ‘culling’ will become part of the official policy for the eradication of TB in Wales. I urge you not to allow this to happen – especially when the full impact on the spread of the disease from hunting has seemingly not been ascertained.

Yours Sincerely”

England:

Post: Jim Paice, Minister of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Defra, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR

Email: defra.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk (put FAO Jim Paice in subject header)

English letter

“Dear Mr Paice

I am writing to ask whether the practice of hunting has been considered as a vector for the spread of TB across the countryside in England?

It is my understanding that Wales’ Chief Vet Christianne Glossop does not rule out the theoretical possibility that hunts play a role in the spreading of TB, but says that there is currently no evidence.

There is no evidence of this because it has never been fully investigated (the Independent Scientific Group report on bovine TB did not appear to consider hunting). That does not mean that it isn’t a considerable vector and until now has been overlooked.

Therefore, I ask that you to consider this fully. It is even more pressing given the fact that David Cameron has recently made clear his support for overturning the ban on hunting foxes with dogs, which, if it happened, would potentially increase the amount of hunting across parts of England and Wales. A simple glance at where bovine TB incidences are at their highest in England and Wales appears to show a correlation with incidences of trail and drag hunting with hounds. Currently, there are over 170 hunts with foxhounds still operating.

I believe that there is a case to be made that the sheer size, breadth and nature of hunts could provide a vector for spreading TB across large swathes of land. Typically, hunts consist of around 20 horses, 30-40 dogs and 2-3 quad bikes (plus in some case spectators). Hunts often go out up to three times a week and vary their courses – and hunt areas often cross borders (and even between England and Wales).

TB can exist in soil for a very long time – and in cattle faeces for up to 8 weeks. It seems very likely that the infection could be spread via animals used for hunting (on their feet and even the noses of hounds) and vehicles criss-crossing large areas of land – and often areas where normal vehicles would not have access; potentially ‘whipping up’ infection and taking with them. Even if the hunt does not cross an area of land that currently holds cattle, it may still go through areas of land that have done so recently (and could contain actively infected soil or faeces). It is also a possibility that cattle may be brought onto land that the hunt has recently crossed. Farmers partaking in hunting could take the infection back to their farms.

At the very least this appears to be a significant biosecurity concern, but it could also be a vital part in the answer to stopping the spread of TB. In light of this I urge you to stop the trial badger ‘culls’ planned for later in the year. Especially in light of the fact that the full impact of the spread of the disease from hunting has seemingly not been ascertained.

Yours Sincerely”