Brian May Warns of Public Outrage Over Badger Cull Film

Queen guitarist Brian May has unveiled a provocative documentary aimed at challenging the scientific rationale behind the ongoing badger cull in England, which has seen over 230,000 badgers killed since its inception in 2013. The film, airing on BBC2, coincides with the government's recent reversal of its commitment to halt the cull, and May claims it will evoke a strong emotional response akin to that generated by the Post Office scandal drama. Experts who previewed the film have described its revelations as "dynamite," suggesting it could significantly alter the landscape of cattle farming and the fight against bovine Tuberculosis (bTB). The documentary has raised concerns among farming industry representatives, particularly regarding its potential impact on farmers' mental health, as many continue to grapple with the effects of bTB. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has expressed apprehension that the film may oversimplify the complexities of the issue, potentially misplacing blame on cattle rather than addressing the multifaceted nature of the disease's spread. Critics, including the Badger Trust, argue that the culling policy has been ineffective and detrimental to both farmers and wildlife. They contend that misinformation has misled farmers, leaving them vulnerable in the face of bTB. The AHDB cautions that the disease control measures presented in the documentary may not be practical for widespread implementation on farms. As the debate intensifies, ecologist Tom Langton emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach involving farmers, vets, and conservationists to develop effective strategies for eradicating bTB while safeguarding both livestock and badger populations.