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<p>In September of this year, the Animal and Plant Health Agency published data showing
there has been a drop in cattle TB incidence in the first two cull areas, where the
number of new confirmed breakdowns has dropped by around 50%. In the Gloucestershire
cull area, the incidence of TB has dropped from 10.4% before culling began to 5.6%
in the twelve months following the fourth year of culling. In the Somerset cull area,
it has dropped from 24% to 12%.</p><p> </p><p>Using the TB incidence measure for this
purpose is in line with the reporting of the Randomised Badger Culling Trial and National
Statistics. It is the best way to monitor the impact of badger control in these areas.
These data provide an encouraging sign that the steps we are taking to control the
disease are having a positive impact, and are consistent with the effects seen during
the Randomised Badger Culling Trial. Further analysis of the data is underway and
will be submitted to a scientific journal for publication in due course.</p><p> </p>
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