THE Government has given the go-ahead for a cull of badgers to tackle rising TB rates in cattle, subject to further discussions on exactly how it can be carried out.

Ministers are expected to consult with farmers, wildlife groups, vets and animal welfare charities on revising the guidance to government agency Natural England to set down the conditions under which it can give out licences for a cull.

Scientific experts have said culling badgers, which spread TB to cattle, will only be effective if it is done in a "co-ordinated, sustained and simultaneous manner".

The costs of the cull will be borne by farmers, who believe the measure to reduce the rates of TB in cattle herds will save them money overall.

Under the scheme, farmers and landowners could be given licences to trap and shoot badgers, or to carry out "controlled shooting" of free-running animals – a much cheaper option.

But farmers say it will not be a case of individuals simply being given the go-ahead to freely shoot badgers on their land.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has been drawing up plans that would allow groups of farmers whose land totals at least 150sq km to band together to form limited companies, which can then apply for a licence and contract out the culling.

The companies will ensure that farmers contribute their share of the money, stay in the scheme for the required four years and have some measure of anonymity against animal rights extremists who may try to target them.