Bovine TB: Gaps in evidence about impact of vaccinating badgers
Researchers in Wales have identified significant gaps in evidence regarding the effectiveness of badger vaccination programs for controlling bovine tuberculosis. They argue that vaccination should not be viewed as a standalone solution and call for better monitoring and collaboration with farmers.
Why it matters
Bovine TB remains a major agricultural and economic challenge, and understanding the efficacy of disease control measures is critical for farmers and policymakers.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, The Welsh government is "renewing" its approach to eradicating bovine TB
There are "significant gaps" in knowledge and evidence about the effect of vaccinating badgers in Wales against bovine tuberculosis (TB), according to researchers.
A team from the British Ecological Society's Wales policy group, along with staff from Cardiff and Aberystwyth universities, argue the gaps reduce the effectiveness of this method of trying to deal with the disease.
Vaccination is part of a programme to eradicate bovine TB in Wales, but it is a controversial topic.
The Welsh government said it was "renewing" its approach to eradicating bovine TB.
There have been calls for alternative methods to vaccination for controlling the infection among cattle, such as badger culling, as they can carry the disease and transmit it to cattle.
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