Why is the preference to address events after they happen?

Why are funds not being put aside to test badgers in the north of England when 8 out of 30 badgers were found infected in the Stockport area of Greater Manchester last year? The extent of badger TB in Greater Manchester and its existence the other side of the urban divide are big unknowns. Lancs, Cumbria and N Yorks are large cattle dense counties. We are getting in front of the infection in cattle in the edge areas. However when it comes to badgers the preference is to address events after they happen. Is this wise in view of there being so much to lose?