According to the Farmers Weekly, farm minister Jim Paice, has announced that badger cull pilot schemes will take place in West Gloucestershire and West Somerset.
Farmers from the areas can now apply for culling licences to tackle the devastating impact of bovine TB, he said.
Mr Paice made the announcement in a written ministerial statement on Thursday (19 January).
The two areas in West Gloucestershire and West Somerset had been selected as the most suitable to pilot controlled shooting of badgers, he said.
The measure formed part of a science-led and closely monitored policy to bring bovine TB under control.
“Bovine TB is a chronic and devastating disease,” said Mr Paice.
“It causes the slaughter of tens of thousands of cattle each year, and is taking a terrible toll on our farmers and rural communities."
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