Researchers have identified significant gaps in the evidence regarding the effectiveness of vaccinating badgers against bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Wales. A policy briefing authored by the British Ecological Society’s Wales policy group, alongside staff from Cardiff and Aberystwyth universities, argues that these deficiencies undermine the current strategy for eradicating the disease.
While vaccination forms part of Wales’ broader programme to combat bovine TB, the practice remains controversial. Critics have occasionally called for alternative measures, such as culling, arguing that badgers can transmit the infection to cattle. Under现行 regulations, cattle are regularly tested, and those found to be carriers are slaughtered.
The researchers are calling for enhanced monitoring of the vaccination programme’s impact, a comprehensive review of existing evidence, and closer collaboration with farmers to maximise the scheme’s effectiveness. They note that major questions persist regarding the scale of badger vaccination, its measurable effect on cattle disease rates, and how to build confidence among agricultural and veterinary professionals.
Dr Niall McKeown, a lecturer in life sciences at Aberystwyth University and vice-chair of the British Ecological Society’s Wales policy group, described bovine TB as one of the most pressing animal health challenges in Wales. He cautioned that vaccination should not be viewed as a standalone solution.
“There is strong evidence that BCG vaccination protects badgers, but evidence that operational vaccination programmes reduce disease in cattle remains limited,” Dr McKeown said. He added that any benefits at the cattle level likely depend on sustained, extensive vaccination coverage combined with effective cattle controls.
Dr McKeown emphasised that the goal should be vaccination that is better targeted, measured, and evaluated. He suggested combining non-invasive genetic monitoring with sett surveys, camera traps, and movement data to estimate local badger populations and identify coverage gaps.
In response, a Welsh government spokesperson stated that the administration is renewing its approach to eradicating bovine TB, focusing on three key areas: cattle, people, and wildlife. The spokesperson noted that decisions would be evidence-based, science-led, and mindful of value for money, incorporating advice from the programme board and technical advisory group.
Last month, Llyr Gruffydd, the minister responsible for agriculture, indicated a willingness to consider a range of solutions, acknowledging that the situation varies from farm to farm. His comments followed the announcement of an extension to two pilot projects in Pembrokeshire and north Wales, areas with high TB case numbers. Although initially launched as pilots in 2024 with no plan for expansion, a new board was established in August to drive elimination efforts.
This is frustrating for Welsh farmers. They need answers now, not more pilot studies while TB cases keep rising.
Vaccination is better than culling, but I’m skeptical they’ll ever get solid numbers. Badgers are slippery subjects to track.
Finally, someone is calling out the lack of real data. We can’t claim success without proving it works for cattle.