Wildlife

Badger Welfare and Bovine TB Management in 2026

Badger culling for bovine tuberculosis control continues in 2026 under the ongoing cull policy, raising profound welfare questions alongside the scientific debate about its effectiveness.

Key Facts

Badger culling covers large areas of southwest England, Wales and more recently other areas
Approximately 200000 badgers have been culled since the programme began in 2013
The role of badgers in cattle TB transmission remains scientifically contested
Cage trapping and controlled shooting are the primary culling methods
Vaccination of badgers is an alternative being piloted in some areas

Welfare Considerations

Badger culling causes welfare impacts through both the culling process itself and wider population effects. Free shooting of badgers at night may result in non-fatal wounding requiring further suffering before death. Cage trapping involves prolonged confinement and stress before killing. The perturbation effect from culling displaces badgers, potentially spreading disease. Vaccination offers a more welfare-positive approach that avoids killing.

What You Can Do

Engage constructively with evidence about bovine TB management options
Support badger vaccination programmes as a welfare-positive alternative
Advocate for investment in cattle-side solutions including improved testing and cattle vaccines
Report badger welfare concerns to local wildlife organisations
Support organisations campaigning for evidence-based and humane bovine TB management