A coalition of researchers from the British Ecological Society’s Wales policy group and staff from Cardiff and Aberystwyth universities has raised concerns about knowledge deficiencies regarding badger vaccination programs designed to combat bovine tuberculosis in Wales. The team contends that these evidence gaps undermine the method’s potential effectiveness as part of the government’s broader effort to eradicate the disease.
The policy briefing highlights several unresolved questions about the vaccination initiative, including uncertainty over how many badgers are actually being vaccinated, what measurable impact the programs have on cattle disease levels, and how confidence in the approach can be strengthened among farmers and veterinary professionals. Dr. Niall McKeown, a lecturer at Aberystwyth University and vice-chair of the policy group, emphasized that while scientific evidence supports the protective effects of BCG vaccination in badgers themselves, evidence demonstrating that operational vaccination programs reduce disease transmission to cattle remains limited. He stressed that any potential benefit to cattle would require sustained and sufficiently widespread vaccination coverage combined with effective cattle-control measures.
The researchers are calling for enhanced monitoring of vaccination impacts, evidence reviews, and increased collaboration with the farming community to maximize program effectiveness. McKeown noted that the focus should shift toward vaccination efforts that are better targeted, measured, and evaluated, rather than simply expanding coverage. He suggested that combining non-invasive genetic monitoring, sett surveys, camera traps, and movement data could help estimate local badger populations and identify vaccination coverage gaps.
The Welsh government responded by stating it is “renewing” its approach to bovine TB eradication, with emphasis on evidence-based decision-making and consideration of value for money. The government’s agriculture minister indicated last month that officials are exploring a range of solutions, acknowledging that approaches may need to vary based on specific farm circumstances. The government has announced extensions to two pilot projects, originally launched in Pembrokeshire and parts of north Wales, and established a new board in August 2024 to oversee disease elimination efforts.
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