Defra must reassure cattle farmers that its shock decision to suspend badger culling in the reactive zones of the Krebs TB control trials is based on sound science and completely impartial.

The National Beef Association warns there are deep suspicions within the cattle sector that the department is looking for an easy political solution to a difficult animal disease problem so it can get a smoother ride from pro-badger voters.

"We are waiting for Defra to demonstrate that its claim that reactive culling has provoked a 27pc rise in TB breakdowns is fully justified and confirmation that all data from all reactive trial areas has been used," said NBA TB committee chairman George Richardson.

"We will also be asking Defra if it is ready to consider modifying reactive cull measures so farms that are initially protected from TB when nearby diseased badgers are removed are not placed in further jeopardy when other diseased badgers move in from outside and replace them.

"And if it is not, whether it is prepared to expand its knowledge on protecting healthy cattle from diseased badgers by extending pro-active culling trials, in which as many badgers as possible are removed, into some reactive culling areas."

According to the NBA, it is important that Defra retains its reputation for impartiality and objectivity on TB control issues.

"We do not know enough about how the decision on the reactive cull was reached to comment on this ourselves but we are hoping that Defra will soon present farmers with convincing evidence that it was justified because, if it cannot, its credibility on TB eradication will be severely undermined."