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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 14th October 2011
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BVA Criticises Badger Vaccine Project
Conclusions drawn from badger vaccine project come under fire.

The British Veterinary Association has criticised the conclusions drawn by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust in its report on badger vaccine deployment.

The report takes into consideration the effectiveness of the Trust's programme of deploying the injectable BadgerBCG vaccine in seven nature reserves covering 170 hectares during the summer. Its conclusion is that the badger vaccine is a viable alternative to culling in the battle against bovine TB, but lacks evidence to support this claim.

BVA President, Carl Padgett, said that, while welcoming the initiative by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, the work "must not be confused with an investigation into the effectiveness of the badger vaccine in reducing or eradicating bovine TB."

He stressed: "To conclude from this report that the badger vaccine is a viable alternative to culling in eradicating TB is unrealistic at best and spin at worst."

The vaccine has no protective effect on infected badgers and at least 30-40% of badgers in the area will be infected. Many young badgers will therefore become infected before they can be injected.

Mr Padgett cited Defra's Badger Vaccine Deployment Project as likely to provide more information.

He added: "Vaccination of badgers certainly has a role to play in an effective TB eradication programme but it is only one tool in the toolbox."

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.