United Kingdom-Vaccinating Badgers against TB.

Farmers to vaccinate badgers against bovine TB

Badgers are to be trapped in cages and vaccinated against bovine tuberculosis in an attempt to halt the spread of the disease in cattle. The campaign will begin next year in six of the worst-affected areas, expected to include the South West and the Gloucestershire and Herefordshire borders. Farmers are likely to be involved in vaccinating the badgers and will be trained this year.

Hilary Benn, the Rural Affairs Secretary, last year ruled out any culling of diseased badgers to help to stamp out the disease but is under increasing pressure to take action.

Figures show that the number of reported cases of bovine TB increased by 40 per cent from January to November last year. About 38,000 cattle were culled in that 11-month period, compared with 26,000 in the same period in 2007.

After a report in The Times that a veterinary nurse from Cornwall, her daughter and their dog contracted bovine TB last year, the British Veterinary Association has backed calls for a cull. Nicky Paull, its president, said that the disease "has the potential of being a very serious risk to public health".