Badgers have been in the news due to the cull which began in August 2013 in two test areas in the west of England, in spite of inconclusive scientific evidence and vigorous campaigning by conservation and animal rights groups. This UK badger gallery includes Neil Aldridge's documentary series showing how the Wildlife Trusts are working to vaccinate badgers in affected areas.

An independent expert panel reviewed the trial badger cull and concluded that the first year of the pilot culls in Somerset and Gloucestershire failed to meet Defra’s own criteria for effectiveness or humaneness.

Despite this, the UK badger cull has recently been extended to Dorset, in spite of a lack of firm evidence of its effectiveness in reducing the incidence of bovine tuberculosis, and the exorbitant cost of carrying it out.

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