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Vets draw on behavioural science to tackle bovine TB
"For the first time, we're calling for behavioural science to be front and centre in the approach to bTB research and control" - BVA.
BVA report sets out a holistic approach to bTB control and eradication. 

A new report published by the BVA has set out a new, holistic approach to tackling bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

Developed by an expert working group, the report makes 25 recommendations to guide vets, farmers, and government in bTB control and eradication. At its core is the application of behavioural science, recognising that the actions of vets and farmers are key to successful disease control programmes.

The recommendations include:

  • setting up a framework for earned recognition to reward good biosecurity
  • enhancing data sharing to support knowledge-based livestock trading and good decision-making on farm
  • securing long-term funding for dedicated bTB advisory services
  • simplifying and prioritising research priorities
  • introducing systems to allow greater data sharing between government vets and private vets
  • ensuring continued cooperation and collaboration on bTB between the four UK governments after Brexit.

BVA junior vice president James Russell said the debate around bTB has been 'unhelpfully characterised' in terms of cattle versus badgers. He added that the debate misses the complex issues behind the disease, such as human behaviour and how it can impact decisions.

“For the first time, we’re calling for behavioural science to be front and centre in the approach to bTB research and control,” he said. “This means rewarding good biosecurity practices, providing vets and farmers with the tools and data they need to make evidence-based decisions, and recognising the human impact of this devastating disease.

BVA’s new bTB policy position also identifies five key research priorities for the next five years, including a better understanding of the effects of badger vaccination on the incidence of bTB in cattle and evidence to establish the role of cattle faeces in disease transmission.

The top research goal – the development and validation of a cattle vaccine and DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) test was given a boost last week (23 July) when Defra, the Welsh Government and the Scottish Government announced that cattle vaccination trials would soon get underway in England and Wales.

Mr Russell added: “The deployment of a viable cattle vaccine used in combination with a validated DIVA test has the potential to be an absolute game-changer in our efforts to control and eradicate bovine tuberculosis and is something that our own expert bTB working group has identified as a key priority.”

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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.