SIR,

It seems unbelievable that Caroline Spellman can dismiss the latest scientific research on bovine TB transmission (your article 23rd May 2012).

Unfortunately, this conforms to her track record. The largest independent scientific test to determine the effectiveness of badger culling was undertaken by Professor John Krebs, a zoologist at Oxford University.

The trial ran for 10 years to 2007 and the final report firmly rejected the effectiveness of culling. At best, it would bring about a reduction in bTB of only 15 per cent.

I am equally horrified by the unnecessary slaughter of cattle each year but surely it makes greater sense that the Government focus on the larger contributory factors (the other 85 per cent) rather than seeking to exterminate a natural species.

There is new research being published regularly that shows a range of contributory factors including the dormancy detailed in your article.

It has recently been shown that a liver parasite masks the accuracy of the TB test, allowing infected cattle to be undetected (and moved). Until a clearer grasp of the science is obtained, the English government should follow the lead of WAG and halt culling.

Keith Roy

(Monmouth)