WILDLIFE experts say they are disappointed by the Government's decision to carry on with trials of badger culling.

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust does not see culling as the solution to the problem of bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

It believes culling goes against scientific evidence which shows it is ineffective and can exacerbate the problem.

Head of living landscape at the wildlife trust, Paul Wilkinson, said: "This issue demands a scientific and practical approach. The rationale for any cull of native species needs to be extremely clear and well proven. In this case it is not.

"The Wildlife Trusts strongly support the development of the bTB vaccine for cattle and an oral vaccine for badgers. It welcomes the Government's continued funding for this and urges that there is commitment to ensuring this concludes, and to subsequent wide-scale deployment."

The leading conservation organisation sees vaccines as a critical tool to help break the disease cycle.

Mr Wilkinson added: "There is already an injectable vaccine available for badgers, yet last year the Government cut funding for trialing it.

"Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust embarked on the first such injectable vaccination trial, on its own initiative, at the end of June.

"Looking at the deployment of injectable vaccines should help find wider solutions for dealing with this disease."

The Wildlife Trusts are keen for the farming community, conservation organisations and the Government to continue to work together on the issue.