Start of six-week cull confirmed by NFU

Pilot badger culls have officially begun in Somerset and controlled shooting is expected to continue for six weeks despite protests.

Approved in February this year, the pilot culls are part of an attempt by the government to tackle bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in England.

In a letter to members, National Farmer's Union (NFU) president, Peter Kendall, confirmed the start of the cull, speaking of the "misery" suffered by farmers dealing with bTB.

Environment secretary Owen Paterson said: "We know that despite the strict controls we already have in place, we won't get on top of this terrible disease until we start dealing with the infection in badgers as well as cattle.

"That's the clear lesson from Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland and the USA."

The culls, however, have attracted much controversy, with a number of organisations including the RSPCA, Born Free Foundation and Humane Society joining together as Team Badger to campaign against the cull.

Commenting on the announcement, the RSPCA said is was "deeply saddened" by the news and will continue its campaign against the cull.

Controlled shooting in Somerset will continue for six weeks, and further culling in Gloucestershire is expected to begin later this week.