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New research published on badger TB spread
Six per cent of infected cattle catch TB from badgers, study suggests

New data released by Imperial College London suggests that herd-to-herd transmission of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is responsible for 94 per cent of cases.

Scientists from the college say that in areas where prevalence of bTB is high, badgers could ultimately be responsible for around 50 per cent of cases in cattle.

However, only 5.7 per cent of cattle infected with bTB caught the disease directly from badgers, according to a paper published in the journal PLOS Currents: Outbreaks. The remaining spread comes from cattle infected by badgers passing the disease on to other herds.

These new estimates are based on data from the Defra-funded Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT), which ran from 1998 to 2005. This trial found that culling could reduce bTB within herds in the areas where culling took place, but increase prevalence of the disease in nearby areas.

Using mathematical models based on data from the RBCT, scientists previously estimated the proportion of TB in cattle that could be attributed to transmission from badgers. Researchers at Imperial College London say they have carried out a more in-depth analysis.

Whilst the research team says that badgers ultimately account for around 50 per cent of bTB in cattle in high prevalence areas, they note that "considerable uncertainty" surrounds this figure. Authors of the research paper give 38 per cent as a robust minimum estimate.

Professor Christl Donnelly from the college said: "These findings confirm that badgers do play a large role in the spread of bovine TB. These figures should inform the debate, even if they don't point to a single way forward."

The role of badgers in spreading bTB is widely debated and pilot culls in Gloucestershire are ongoing. After a similar pilot in Somerset recently failed to meet the target of reducing the badger population by 70 per cent, it has been announced that Natural England has granted a three-week extension of the cull.

Related News
Extension of badger cull confirmed
RSPCA calls for more clarity on badger cull

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.