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Vaccination pilot shows drop in badger bovine TB
An estimated 74 per cent of badgers in the study area were vaccinated.
Researchers want to scale-up research after positive initial findings.

A four-year pilot badger vaccination programme has led to a drop in badgers testing positive for bovine TB.

The small-scale trial was initiated by farmers in Cornwall who co-managed the programme alongside the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Cornwall Wildlife Trust and worked with partners including Imperial College London.

In the 11km2 area of the study, which covered 12 farms, the percentage of badgers testing positive for bovine TB fell from 16 per cent to 0 per cent. Evidence from camera traps suggested that 74 per cent of badgers in the area received the vaccine.

The study also revealed that the programme had increased enthusiasm among the farmers for badger vaccination.

Culling badgers to prevent transmission of bovine TB to cattle has formed a controversial part of efforts to eradicate the disease in England. The new government has said that it plans to bring culling to an end.

The researchers argue that their study suggests that badger vaccination can be delivered in a way that is cost-effective, practical, and supported by farmers. They now want to conduct a larger-scale assessment to determine the impact of badger vaccination on bovine TB rates in cattle.

Keith Truscott, founder of the Mid Cornwall Badger Vaccination Farmers Group and senior author of the report, said: “We need a solution to tackle bovine tuberculosis – as a cattle farmer, I’m living with the constant worry that one of our cows might test positive for the disease, so doing nothing is not an option.

“I sleep better at night knowing that there are people out there working to eradicate the disease through vaccination.”

Cheryl Marriott, director of nature and people at Cornwall Wildlife Trust added: “The mid-Cornwall badger vaccination project is a brilliant example of nature conservationists, farmers, and scientists putting their heads together to help fix a problem.

“We have all learnt a lot and now better understand each other’s points of view, it has been really rewarding on many levels.”

The study has been published in the journal People and Nature.

Image © Shutterstock

 

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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.