THE DEPUTY MINISTER FOR FARMING AND FOOD has asked members of the public to report sightings of any dead badgers they find to help tackle bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Wales.
As part of an extensive survey, badgers found dead throughout Wales are being collected and examined for signs of bovine TB. The survey will continue for at least the remainder of 2015.
Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans, said: “As we approach the Spring, badger activity will increase and it is more likely that badgers will be killed on our roads. Individuals are also more likely to come across a dead badger while enjoying the countryside.
“If you find a dead badger, please report it to help us in the fight against bovine TB. It is important that members of the public do not handle any dead badgers or interfere with a carcass in any way.”
Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, said: “The survey will provide useful information on M bovis infection in badgers and will help us to better understand the relationship between bovine TB infection in badgers and cattle. It will also give us more information of the epidemiology of the disease. The results will be used to help us develop policy at both local and national levels.”
Anyone who finds a dead badger should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 0300 303 8268. The line is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
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