The culling of badgers in England has led to a significant reduction in TB in cattle, but we must find other ways to manage this problem. Sir Charles Godfray conducted a Government review for that very purpose, and earlier this year the intended next steps were set out, focussed around three key priorities.
- The current BCG vaccine will never provide full protection, so I am pleased that funding will be made available to accelerate the research and trial work needed with the aim of having a deployable vaccine in the next five years.
- Alongside this, an exit strategy from the intensive culling of badgers will begin. As soon as possible, a pilot Government-funded badger vaccination will be introduced in at least one area with simultaneous surveillance of disease. The aim is to only allow future culls where the evidence points to a significant reservoir of Bovine TB in badgers.
- Finally, the Government will invest in the deployment of better, more frequent and more diverse cattle testing so that we are able to detect the presence of the disease earlier and remove it from cattle herds faster.
I will keep track of developments and remain in touch with Farmers who’s livestock is affected by this disease.
