McMullan backs move on Bovine TB-infected badgers

He said: “For years there has been a debate on how we deal with the problem of badgers infected but I believe the initiative by (SF) Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill will protect healthy badgers while removing those infected.

“The proposal of capturing badgers and vaccinating the healthy ones while humanely destroying those infected with disease will eventually eradicate bovine TB in badgers which are one of the indigenous animals in Ireland and deserve to be protected as much as any other species in order to protect the natural balance in the countryside.

“Farmers also need to be confident that their herd of cattle is not susceptible to disease through contact with infected badgers and this initiative will go some way in meeting these two criteria.”