The UK Government has chosen a multi-faceted approach for England based on scientific evidence, looking at how other countries tackled bTB and the successful strategies that worked for them.

For example, in Ireland, they implemented a reactive badger control programme, which helped reduce bTB incidences by 50%. New Zealand, Australia, and the US state of Michigan also have similar approaches, combining cattle control measures with addressing the wildlife reservoir.

The evidence around wildlife control

The government’s bTB Eradication Plan is backed by scientific evidence from the Randomised Badger Culling Trial that took place from 1998 to 2007.

This trial identified four key areas to ensure that badger culls are safe, humane, and effective. Over time, the criteria for control areas have been adjusted based on evidence provided by the Independent Science Group.

They also minimise the risk of bTB spread outside of control areas by using hard boundaries like major roads, rivers, and coastlines.

Licences for wildlife control are granted by Natural England, with stringent conditions and industry involvement. This comprehensive approach is designed to make sure the wildlife control strategy is effective.

The Downs et al report involved assessing the effects of industry-led badger culling on the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in England from 2013 to 2017. The study compared the rate of new bTB breakdowns in the cull areas to rates in areas with no culling.

The results showed reductions in bTB incidence rates after four years of culling. In Gloucestershire, there was a 66% reduction, and in Somerset, there was a 37% reduction. The report also showed that there was no evidence of increases in TB incidence rates in buffer areas (perturbation effect) over 4 years.

The Godfray report

The Godfray Report, also known as the 2018 Bovine TB Strategy Review, was an independent report commissioned by the government and led by Professor Sir Charles Godfray.

Its purpose was to assess the progress of the bTB eradication strategy and provide recommendations for further actions.

The report highlighted the importance of industry responsibility, biosecurity, and safe trading practices to prevent the spread of the disease.

It also emphasised the role of badgers in transmitting TB to cattle and the need for flexibility in adapting control measures based on new research.

The government released an updated TB Eradication Strategy, outlining a five-year plan with a focus on:

• developing a deployable cattle bTB vaccine
• enhancing diagnostic surveillance and epidemiology
• maximising opportunities to improve biosecurity
• establishing a bTB Partnership for governance improvement, and
• evolving the wildlife control strategy.

What is the government doing about bTB?

The government has prioritised efforts to develop CattleBCG vaccination and a Diva Skin Test, evolving wildlife control to encompass badger vaccinations, as well as improving diagnostic testing and surveillance.

It is also working in partnership with stakeholders through the bTB Partnership for England to promote shared ownership and coordinate efforts to make joint decisions.

Additionally, the TB Advisory Service provides support and advice to cattle farmers in maximising biosecurity and minimising risks. These measures aim to achieve bTB free status for England by 2038.

In addition, farmers adhere to both statutory surveillance testing of cattle, additional testing measures such as pre or post movement to reduce the risk of spread from cattle movements and, if appropriate, implement wildlife control measures.

Reducing the spread of bTB

To reduce the spread of bTB, it’s important to take a comprehensive approach.

This includes implementing cattle and wildlife controls, along with enhancing biosecurity in areas where the disease is prevalent.

The government has put in place various measures, such as testing cattle before and after movement, isolating and slaughtering any infected animals, promoting informed cattle purchases, and implementing strict licensing conditions for moving cattle in high-risk areas.

The government’s strategy also focuses on developing vaccinations for both badgers and cattle (when available).

What are farmers doing to limit bTB?

Farmers are continuing to improve biosecurity on farms and prevent disease transmission.

It can be challenging to prevent wild animals from encountering livestock in the field.

However, farmers can follow the TB biosecurity five point plan, which provides practical measures to reduce disease introduction and improve prevention on the farm and in the cattle trade.

Furthermore, farmers make physical changes on the farm like raising feed and water troughs, and ‘badger proof’ buildings and feeding areas to limit bTB contamination.