First TB vaccine for badgers authorised

The first tuberculosis (TB) vaccine for badgers has now been licensed for use, which will introduced this summer as part of the Badger Vaccine Deployment Project.

The vaccine, BadgerBCG, will be used in the six areas in England most affected by TB in cattle.

The Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) led the research programme, working closely with the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), to generate the data on the safety and efficacy of BCG in badgers necessary for the licensing of BadgerBCG.

The Badger Vaccine Deployment Project is funded by Defra and is being run by Fera. It will involve trapping and vaccinating badgers, for five years, in six areas from the worst affected parts of Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Devon. Vaccination will commence in summer 2010.

It aims to build confidence in the principle and practicalities of vaccination, as well as develop practical know-how for vaccinating badgers and provide an opportunity to learn how best to address practical difficulties.