Wildlife

Badger Vaccination and Bovine TB Welfare

Badger vaccination against bovine TB offers a humane alternative to culling that protects both badger welfare and contributes to TB control.

Key Facts

BCG vaccine can be delivered by injection in trapped badgers or through oral bait
Vaccination does not eliminate TB in already-infected badgers but reduces transmission
Government-funded vaccination zones now operate in some areas of England
Vaccination is the preferred approach of most wildlife and veterinary organisations
Long-term vaccination programmes reduce TB in vaccinated populations over time

Welfare Considerations

Culling programmes cause welfare harm through injury from non-lethal shots, family group disruption, and the suffering of wounded animals that escape. Vaccination programmes avoid these harms while contributing to TB control at landscape scale over longer timeframes. The welfare case for vaccination over culling is strong, and building political and farmer support for vaccination as the primary control method is an ongoing priority.

What You Can Do

Support badger vaccination programmes over culling
Contact your MP expressing support for vaccination-first TB control policy
Donate to organisations delivering badger vaccination including the Wildlife Trusts
Learn about the evidence for and against different TB control approaches
Oppose further culling zone extensions pending evidence review