Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott has welcomed a Westminster report into bovine TB which has found controlled culling of badgers can provide an effective measure to curb the spread of the disease.

With ever-increasing reports of Bovine TB forcing farmers to loose their livestock, Mr Elliott has previously made it clear that the situation demands immediate attention.

The Ulster Unionist Party's agricultural spokesman said: "I am delighted the report by the Westminster Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has found that controlled culling of badgers can provide an effect defence against Bovine TB. Every week in areas of England, Wales and here in Northern Ireland farmers are forced to watch as their livestock is destroyed because of the infection. For some farmers this has happened multiple times. There is only so much a person can take, and to see your livelihood destroyed is soul-destroying. Many farmers leave the industry never to return because they simply loose heart as a result of this disease attacking their herd."

The report by the Committee notes 'scientific data supports the conclusion that there might be an overall beneficial effect on the incidence of TB in cattle' if the culling of badgers is done 'competently and efficiently, is co-ordinated, covers a large area of 265Km or more, is sustained for at least four years and the culled area is surrounded by hard or soft boundaries where possible.' For Mr Elliott there is no doubt a number of places in Northern Ireland meet these criteria, including areas in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

The deputy-Chair of the Stormont Agricultural Committee went on to say: "Farmers in many areas across Northern Ireland could be saved from much hardship through the implementation of controlled culling based on this criteria. I am not saying that it is the cure for problem long term, but immediate relief is what is needed and this is the best method of supplying it.