DEFRA’S Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) is looking for farmers to take part in a survey to find out how often badgers enter agricultural buildings and the reasons they do so.

Surveillance cameras will be installed at 75 volunteer farms across south west England which will, over a four-week period, count the number of badger visits to farms and try to find out why they are doing this.

It is hoped that, by understanding the nature of badger movements, farmers will get a better idea of what biosecurity measures they need.

Details of farming practices such as cattle feed, local crops and landscape features will also be recorded.

This research is the second phase of the farm assessment tool project initially launched by the Food and Environment Agency last year.

Farmers interested in taking part should contact AHVLA on 01453 861400 or wildlife@ahvla.gsi.gov.uk.