Bovine Tuberculosis Control: Welfare Implications of Testing and Slaughter

bTB control programs cause significant welfare harm through repeated testing stress and compulsory slaughter of reactor cattle — welfare must be considered alongside eradication goals.

Key Facts

• bTB costs the UK over 100 million pounds annually and results in 30,000+ cattle slaughtered per year
• The skin tuberculin test causes pain and stress through subcutaneous injections and repeated handling
• Reactor cattle face compulsory slaughter that is welfare-impactful when management is poor
• Badger culling as a bTB control measure has significant badger welfare implications
• Gamma-interferon blood tests and DIVA vaccines offer welfare-improved alternatives in development

Welfare Considerations

bTB control programs cause documented welfare harms that must be acknowledged alongside their disease control benefits. Cattle subjected to repeated herd testing experience the stress of handling, the pain of intradermal injections, and in positive herds, the prolonged restriction of movement testing schedules. Reactor cattle identified by testing face compulsory slaughter that, while legally required, should be conducted with full welfare standards including adequate stunning and humane handling in transit. The badger culling component of bTB control causes significant badger welfare harm — injured badgers dying slowly from non-lethal shots represent a welfare failure requiring improved marksmanship standards and monitoring. Vaccination and DIVA test development offers a welfare-improved pathway to long-term bTB control.

What You Can Do

• Ensure all bTB reactor cattle are transported and slaughtered under full welfare compliance
• Work with your veterinarian to minimize testing frequency where epidemiologically justified
• Support badger vaccination programs as a welfare-improved alternative to culling where evidence supports efficacy
• Engage with bTB policy development to ensure cattle and wildlife welfare are considered alongside disease control
• Support research into DIVA-compatible bTB vaccines that offer a wildlife-welfare-friendly eradication pathway