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Cornwall initiates badger vaccination program against TB

A farmer-led effort to vaccinate badgers against tuberculosis begins in Cornwall to protect cattle.

July 31, 2025 at 04:26 PM

Farmers and scientists join forces in Cornwall to vaccinate badgers against TB

Farmers in Cornwall are using a new vaccination program to fight tuberculosis in badgers and cattle.

Cornwall launches badger vaccination trial to combat cattle TB

A new initiative led by farmers in Cornwall aims to vaccinate badgers against tuberculosis to reduce the spread of the disease to cattle. The programme, which marks a significant shift in the approach to controlling TB, will involve 70 farms over three years. Farmers will trap, test, and vaccinate badgers with training provided by scientists. Previous studies indicated that badger TB rates fell dramatically with vaccination, highlighting the potential benefits of this strategy. This new effort comes amid ongoing controversy over the culling of badgers since 2013, which has seen a significant number of badgers killed in the name of disease control. Critics argue that culling is ineffective, stating that most TB cases in cattle originate from other cattle rather than from badgers. The vaccination project holds promise as an alternative method to manage this complex issue while fostering cooperation between farmers and scientists.

Key Takeaways

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Vaccination against TB begins in Cornwall with support from local farmers and scientists.

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The initiative involves trapping, testing, and vaccinating badgers over three years.

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Previous trials showed a significant drop in badger TB rates, from 16% to zero.

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The badger cull has faced criticism; most TB in cattle is believed to come from other cattle.

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The project aims to explore sustainable and cost-effective vaccination strategies.

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Public and scientific collaboration may shape future disease control policies.

"For half a century, wildlife advocates and farmers have argued about the best way to manage the risk of TB transmission between badgers and cattle."

This highlights the longstanding conflict over TB management strategies.

"It does seem now that in terms of the tools available, aside from biosecurity and cattle testing, badger vaccination is the future."

A farmer reflects the shift in focus toward vaccination as a primary tool against TB.

This new vaccination programme is a pivotal step in addressing the long-standing conflict between farmers and wildlife advocates over TB control in cattle. While culling has dominated the narrative for years, the shift towards vaccination reflects a growing recognition of the necessity for collaborative, science-based solutions. As this trial unfolds, it will not only test the effectiveness of badger vaccination but also serve as a clear signal of the changing relationship between those involved in agriculture and wildlife conservation. The focus on evidence-based practices could set a precedent for managing wildlife diseases in the future, provided the results are encouraging.

Highlights

Together we can develop effective solutions for TB control.
This project could redefine how we manage wildlife diseases.
Vaccination may represent the future in TB management.
The fight against TB is evolving with new partnerships.

Potential backlash over badger vaccination

This trial could face scrutiny from both farmers supporting culling and animal rights activists. Any issues might provoke public debate about the appropriateness of vaccination versus culling.

As the vaccination project progresses, it will be essential to monitor its impact and scalability.

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badger tuberculosis vaccination Cornwall farming agriculture wildlife science

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