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The Ulsters Farmers' Union has called for "swifter, more meaningful action on wildlife" - but insists they are not demanding a cull to tackle rising TB in cattle.

The UFU hit out after the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs revealed it is planning to test badgers in two TB hotspots as part of measures aimed at tackling a spike in the disease among herds.

Animal rights campaigners fear the results could lead to a future cull of the protected species. They insist culls are both cruel and ineffective in tackling bovine TB.

Northern Ireland's chief vet Robert Huey has said recent figures show a "sharp increase" in bovine TB. It is understood the two areas where the badgers will be tested is Aghadowey and around Omagh.

Reacting to the news, UFU deputy president Victor Chestnutt said farmers are "facing a rapidly deteriorating situation on the ground and recognise the need for immediate action".

But he added: "However, the introduction of more on farm controls does not go far enough to tackle the real underlying problem. Only 0.84% of cattle in Northern Ireland have TB, compared to 17% of badgers. It should not come as a surprise that farmers are pressing for more wildlife intervention."

He said farmers "are unlikely to be satisfied" by the planned testing "given the current scale of the problem".

Mr Chestnutt also raised the current impasse at Stormont .

He added: "The UFU was not consulted on the additional measures prior to DAERA's announcement. This seems to have become a worrying trend with DAERA, while they continue to operate without an Executive Minister.

"There have been a number of occasions in the last year where important decisions have been made without consultation with industry. It is concerning and underlines the important role our elected officials play."

The farmers' leader called for more action.

He said: "TB is rampant in the countryside at the moment and many farmers are at their wits end. Something needs to be done. While we would like to see swifter, more meaningful action on wildlife, the additional measures announced by DAERA are a start."

Asked if "more meaningful action" amounted to a cull, a UFU spokesman said they are "not calling for a cull".