Cattle in England to get tuberculosis vaccine from 2030 as badger cull to end
Summary
England plans to vaccinate cattle against tuberculosis starting in 2030 to help eliminate the disease by 2038. The badger cull, which has been controversial, will end by 2029 and be replaced with badger vaccination in certain areas.Key Facts
- Tuberculosis kills over 20,000 cattle in England each year and costs taxpayers around £100 million.
- Badger culling began in 2013, has killed about 250,000 badgers, and cost about £60 million.
- New strategy focuses on cattle because they spread TB to each other 15 times more often than from badgers.
- The plan includes vaccinating cattle, improving testing, and sharing risk scores for cattle herds monthly.
- A new “Diva” test will distinguish vaccinated cattle from infected ones, allowing vaccination to start in 2030.
- Officials are working to get acceptance for cattle vaccination and testing from other countries and health organizations.
- Badger vaccination will continue in key areas as part of the strategy, and the last badger culls are expected to end by 2029.
- The strategy was developed by farmers, vets, scientists, and government officials aiming to end TB in cattle by 2038.
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