I WAS outraged to read (Evening News, May 20) that Clare Whyte suggested bovine TB is caused by poor hygiene and the Government.

In the early 1980s, badgers became a protected species. They were not endangered at that time, but the Act was brought in to stop the ghastly practice of badger-baiting.

In the early 1970s, the UK was virtually free of Bovine TB - good for the cattle and good for the public. Since the Act came in, the badger population has virtually doubled. Farmers are now by law prevented from culling infected sets.

It is costing the taxpayers tens of millions of pounds a year. The misguided Badger Action Groups, instead of facing the reality of the problem only hinder practical solutions.

Dairy farmer's incomes are severely affected in a time of severe agricultural depression. The issue is a very complex one and not easily answered.

Without doubt, badgers are a source of TB. They are territorial, travel distances, urinate on our grass, which cows eat so the chain goes on.

Radical action was required in 1987 in the Cotswolds when this present problem could have been controlled.

The Ministry was reluctant to act. Since then, it spread down the South West, ultimately to now cover virtually the whole of England and Wales.

I like badgers, they are beautiful creatures. But in farming, sometimes drastic action has to be taken - and that is where we are now.

JOHN BENNETT,

Lower Wick,

Worcester.