Badger tuberculosis testing for research and vaccination programmes requires trapping, which raises welfare considerations that must be carefully managed.
Cage trapping for badger vaccination causes acute stress responses including elevated cortisol, struggling, and self-injury if traps are poorly designed or checked infrequently. However, the welfare cost of trapping for vaccination is significantly lower than lethal culling, and vaccination programmes aim to reduce disease in both badgers and cattle. Minimising trap time and improving trap design reduce welfare impacts.