It came as they published an updated report on England’s bovine TB strategy at the request of the Government, which aims to eradicate the disease by 2038. Professor Sir Charles Godfray, from the University of Oxford, who worked on the report, said: “We think achieving the bovine TB-free status by that time is possible, but it is going to be tough. Badger culling has long been a part of the Government’s response to bovine TB despite strong opposition from animal welfare and wildlife groups, including Queen guitarist Sir Brian May. Sir Charles said that while the team is “fully aware of the great pressures on public finances” at the moment, they believed investment in bovine TB control will save money in the future. “We know this will be challenging, and Sir Charles Godfray’s independent report will be key to informing the future strategy.