Brian May's Passion for Badgers

In a recent BBC Two documentary, "Brian May: The Badgers, the Farmers and Me," the Queen guitarist challenges the UK government's long-standing policy of culling badgers to control bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle. May argues that the scientific basis for blaming badgers for the disease is flawed, as only about 50% of infected animals are identified, leaving healthy-looking animals capable of spreading the infection. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of current testing methods and the impact of culling on farmers who lose their livestock. The documentary highlights alternative approaches to managing bovine TB, such as improved hygiene practices and more effective testing methods. May emphasizes the importance of understanding how the disease spreads, particularly through contaminated dung, which can affect grazing lands and other herds. He questions whether the more effective tests are financially viable and suggests that better management of cattle feed and water could mitigate the risk of infection. Moreover, May addresses the complexities surrounding vaccination, noting that current vaccines would cause cows to test positive for infection, leading to their slaughter. This bureaucratic hurdle raises questions about the potential for scientific advancements that could differentiate between immune and infected animals, suggesting that a more humane solution may be possible. Ultimately, May's documentary seeks to foster a dialogue about the future of farming and wildlife management, advocating for a reconsideration of culling practices in favor of more compassionate and effective strategies. The film is now available for streaming on iPlayer.