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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th February 2013
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Effectiveness of badger TB programme
Nationwide vaccination programme faces challenges

 The Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) has spoken of the knowledge gaps surrounding the effectiveness of badger vaccinations for bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

Gavin Wilson, of Fera, told the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRACom) that it is still unknown what impact a nationwide badger vaccination programme would have on TB in cattle.

Last year, around 2,500 baggers were vaccinated against bTB in Gloucester – an area too small to indicate the impact on a nationwide scale, according to Dr Wilson.

He said: "The test area in Gloucestershire is not large enough in its own right to look at cattle herd breakdown rates.

"The size of the trial means it will be more difficult to fill the knowledge gap, which is to find out what effect badger vaccination has on the rates of bTB in cattle."

Uncertainty also remains over the number of badgers in England and Wales. The most recent badger population survey was conducted in the 90s, with another not due to be completed until mid-summer.

A further project is set to take place this winter, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), to find the average size of badger social groups and the variability of family groups.

"These two surveys will give a clearer idea of badger populations in England and Wales," added Dr Wilson.

Furthermore, Fera Senior Scientist Steve Carter highlighted that we are still unaware of the number of badgers needed to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity.

"[Herd immunity] would depend on a wide range of factors – for example, the prevalence of infection in the population, badger density and other environmental factors."

Over the past 10 years, bTB has cost the UK economy an estimated £500 million.

Defra is currently investing in research for an oral vaccine, which is expected to be cheaper to deploy – a necessity if the nationwide programme is to go ahead.

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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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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.