Researchers have identified significant gaps in the evidence regarding the effectiveness of vaccinating badgers against bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Wales. A team from the British Ecological Society's Wales policy group, along with staff from Cardiff and Aberystwyth universities, argue that these gaps limit the effectiveness of vaccination as a method to control the disease. The Welsh government has stated it is 'renewing' its approach to eradicating bovine TB, focusing on cattle, people, and wildlife.

Vaccination is part of a broader programme to tackle bovine TB in Wales, but it remains a controversial topic. Some have called for alternative methods, such as badger culling, as badgers can carry the disease and transmit it to cattle. Cattle are regularly tested for TB and slaughtered if found to be carriers. The researchers are urging increased monitoring of the vaccination's impact, a review of the evidence, and collaboration with farmers to maximize the effectiveness of the programmes.

Dr Niall McKeown, a lecturer at Aberystwyth University and vice-chair of the British Ecological Society's Wales policy group, said the infection 'remains one of the biggest animal health challenges facing Wales.' He emphasized that badger vaccination should not be presented as a standalone solution to eradicating bovine TB. 'There is strong evidence that BCG vaccination protects badgers, but evidence that operational vaccination programmes reduce disease in cattle remains limited,' he said. 'Any cattle-level benefit is likely to depend on sustained and sufficiently extensive vaccination coverage alongside effective cattle controls.'

McKe, as he is known, added that better-targeted, measured, and evaluated vaccination is needed. 'By combining non-invasive genetic monitoring with sett surveys, camera traps and movement data, we can estimate local badger numbers, check the proportion of the population reached and identify significant gaps,' he said. A spokesperson for the Welsh government said the approach to eradicating bovine TB will be 'evidence-based and science-led,' taking into account advice from the programme board and the technical advisory group, while ensuring value for money remains a core consideration in decision-making.

Last month, Llyr Gruffydd, the minister responsible for agriculture, said there was a need to 'look at a range of solutions.' He noted that the 'picture varies from farm to farm' and that a 'wide range of options' are being considered. His comments came as the Welsh government announced the extension of two projects aiming to eradicate bovine TB. The project began as a pilot scheme in two areas - Pembrokeshire, where there is a very high number of TB cases, and parts of north Wales - but there was no intention to expand this to other areas. In August 2024, a new board was established by the government to try to eliminate the disease.