Go-ahead for 4-year licence

A four-year licence permitting the control of badgers in west Somerset to prevent the spread of bovine TB was issued last week by Natural England. The application was made by a specially formed company representing farmers and land managers, and covers approximately 250km2. Under the licence?s terms, badger populations can be reduced in the pilot area by at least 70 per cent and maximum numbers will be specified to prevent the risk of local extinction.