Cornwall Deer population rising
Photograph - Alan Spellman
A population survey is being carried out to determine the current state of Cornwall's deer population. The survey was prompted by reports of regular sightings of 20-strong herds by the British Deer Society's South-West Branch, and its findings will be published in the summer. The presumed population rise is believed to stem from the 2001 Foot and Mouth Outbreak, which led to restrictions on the movements of livestock or culling outright and therefore allowed deer more space to roam.
Commenting, Regional Spokesperson of the British Deer Society Paul Messenger explained "I'm seeing a greater number and more people come to the society and say they saw one or two deer a few years ago but now they're seeing herds of 10 or 20 at a time."
The British Deer Society believe that approximately 350,000 deer are culled across the UK each year to prevent the damage to habitat and agriculture that accompanies overpopulation. "If deer are left to their own devices the numbers will continue to increase. We'll have more road traffic accidents, great losses to agriculture." Mr Messenger added.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
