Around ten times as many cattle are culled annually because of mastitis, lameness and infertility than because of TB. This is scandalous.

Just because these health problems are not notifiable diseases does not make it right!

The trouble these days is that farms are expanding the size of their stock holdings, and not enough notice seems to be taken regarding the health of these animals. In the old days, a good farm hand would instantly spot and treat any problems with cattle – easy to do on a small farm.

So, which should be causing the greatest concern, 25,000 cattle culled due to TB or 250-300,000 culled because of other health issues? All farmers seem to care about is getting the very last drop of milk from their cattle, never mind the cows whole system being compromised, forcing several health issues leading to premature slaughter.

So, I say to Peter Kendall of the NFU, Farms Minister Jim Paice and Defra Secretary Caroline Spelman, how about sorting out the real problems in the dairy industry and leave the badgers alone!

Mrs Anne Shaw

Penzance