AHEAD of the imminent decision on badger 'culling' in England, readers might ask themselves what do black cats and badgers have in common? The answer is that both have been persecuted for what amounts to superstition and hysteria.

Today we are incredulous at the idea that black cats were once accused of witchcraft and causing bad luck, but now a similarly bizarre war is being waged on the humble badger. The idea that our wildlife holds the key to ending the TB epidemic in cattle was roundly disproved by the ten-year study by the Independent Scientific Group which concluded that "badger culling cannot meaningfully contribute to the control of bovine TB in Britain." Yet the calls for badger blood continue unabated – and could soon become reality.

While in Wales the new Government has decided to review the science, the future of English badgers lies in the balance. Officials in Westminster are due to decide on the fate of badgers in the next few weeks – and potentially sign their death warrant. The nightmare scenario will see thousands of them caged and shot – or chased around woodland by men with guns.

However, the reason for this call to slaughter does not stand up to scrutiny – and it is worth bursting a few myths about TB in cattle. Readers might be interested to hear that TB is rarely fatal in cows, with signs of infection usually only appearing in advanced cases. However, it does lead to reduced milk yields; making it a particular concern for dairy farmers looking to maximise their profits. Within the next few years, an oral vaccine for cattle will be available. As things stand, the EU will not accept milk from vaccinated cattle. However, the question must be asked why isn't as much effort being put into pursuing this non-lethal solution as is being put into the virtually rabid call for mass badger slaughter?

The bottom line is TB is a cattle disease and the main vector is cattle-to-cattle transmission. In fact, 13 million cattle movements are made each year in the UK. TB is spreading to new areas and badgers are blamed despite them being highly territorial. Is someone suggesting they are using bus passes for away day trips? In reality, the persecution of badgers has little to do with science or common sense, but has a lot to do with politicians attempting to please those voters that help keep them in power.

Readers also have to ask themselves if they want to support an industry that has declared war on our wildlife. If you don't then the easiest way is to not give it your money, and the best way to do that is to go vegan, or at least cut down on your dairy and meat consumption. For free advice contact Viva! on 0117 944 1000 or e-mail info@viva.org.uk.

Justin Kerswell

Campaigns Manager, Viva!

8 York Court, Wilder Street

Bristol BS2 8QH