Lord Clifford of Chudleigh writes:

At a time when attention is focused on not just European but global economic problems – problems forecasted to blight more poignantly 'the Western World' – we should not forget that the UK population now exceeds 70 million and mouths must be fed.

Having received advice from the NFU and veterinary groups it is clear that the mast carrying the red warning flag Avian Flu, is not the only mast bearing such a flag colour in our agricultural fleet.

The animal farmer is constantly aware of the devastating impact of foot and mouth disease (in 2001 outbreak more than 10 million were slaughtered) and tuberculosis, commonly referred to as Bovine TB. Veterinary scientists recognise that the prime vector of this infection in cattle is the badger, which inhabits woodlands, the major dormitory of wild deer population that is larger than it was 1,000 years ago and increasing by 2.5 per cent to 8.2 per cent per annum depending upon their variety.

With a decrease in the size of woodlands in comparison to that size 500 years ago the density of the UK wild deer population (estimated to be more than 1.5 million) is of increasing concern when the two species mix.

The prime vector (badger) population is estimated at 228,000 and the density per hectare is increasing as the badger is on the 'protected' list.

Scientists recognise that with wild deer and badger inhabiting similar vicinities a 'spillover effect' from badger to deer occurs and that measures must be considered for culling the red deer, fallow deer and muntjac deer to protect the livelihood of animal farmers. Not just cattle, but sheep and pigs have been added to consumable meat which is affected by Bovine TB carriers.

Our forests, gardens, grassland and cereal crops can be devastated by the ever increasing wild deer population (the estimated cost of deer to agriculture is £4.3 million per year).

With 45,000 badger and 3,500 deer casualties on our highways each year it seems prudent for steps to be taken to reduce the population of both badger and deer to avoid increased livestock devaluation and human fatalities, injuries resulting from road accidents.MORE LETTERS IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION