With further knowledge of the three comparable zones of the first Krebs triplet, we would respectfully draw the Committee's attention to the experience of farmers in the areas concerned, and herewith submit a supplementary memorandum, containing further information from them.

PRO ACTIVE ZONE

  Trapping in the cull zone is limited to 12 consecutive nights. In Putford this was carried out in November—a time when badger ecologists confirm that badger activity is at its lowest. The surveys were carried out by applicants replying to MAFF's advertisements in the "Situations Vacant" column of the local newspaper. Farmers currently report much badger activity and several setts untouched/occupied.

  Cattle are now being turned out to graze.

  Badger activity is at its height in April/May.

  Further badger clearance is not planned until June.

  Glos. 25.1.99, Chris Cheeseman, (Woodchester Park) said:

"Incidence of Bovine TB follows high incidence of badger movement—one year later".

  If Mr Cheeseman is correct, as the Krebs team have left an "artificially fragmented" badger population—NOT cleared as expected by farmers who gave permission for the cull, we shall see increases in bovine TB in the Putford cull zone during 1999.

  However the "Control" area reportedly had a DIY clearance of badgers early 1998, when Government announced a cessation of wildlife clearance following Bovine TB, and prepared to implement Krebs.

  So shall we see a reverse of the result expected in the North Devon trial, with herds relatively clear of Bovine TB in the Control, but under restriction in the Pro active?

  It should also be noted that the "Reactive" zone of the Krebs trial offers badger removal only to "new" cases of Bovine TB, and NOT to herds already under restriction when the trial begins. Such cases have to test and slaughter cows, go clear of herd restriction, then come under restriction again, to be accepted into the trial. Results here may be compromised as above.

  WE WOULD ASK THE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE THE INCREASE IN CATTLE TB AND NOTE THE NUMBERS OF CATTLE SLAUGHTERED AS BOVINE TB REACTORS: 1978—921. 1988—782. 1998—6000+

  WE WOULD REQUEST THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS: "THE WHOLE OF THE UK HAS BEEN A `CONTROL' AREA FOR OVER 12 MONTHS".

8 April 1999