Labour could halt badger culling, but only with a Covid-style focus on testing and vaccination, according to a new government-commissioned report.
The review, led by Sir Charles Godfray, warns ministers have a “small chance” of eradicating bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in England by 2038 without increased investment. Badgers are culled because they can spread bTB to cattle, a disease costing taxpayers and farmers around £150m annually. Over 210,000 badgers have been killed since 2013.
Godfray said evidence confirms badgers can transmit bTB to cattle, but stopping culling is possible with greater investment in vaccination, cattle tracking, and testing. He cited Covid-19 as an example of how rapid progress can be achieved with focused effort.
The report highlights the need for non-lethal control, including microchipping cattle to monitor movement and interactions, and using more accurate blood tests alongside standard skin tests. Vaccinating both cattle and badgers could significantly reduce transmission.
Scientists acknowledged current pressures on public finances but argued that investment now would save money in the future. Prof James Wood of Cambridge University noted that cattle vaccination offers “huge opportunities” for controlling the disease in large herds.
Farming minister Daniel Zeichner welcomed the report, noting record badger vaccinations in 2024 and plans to deploy a new vaccinator field force. He confirmed ongoing development of a cattle vaccine and promised a comprehensive eradication strategy early next year.
