What is bovine TB and why is it such a big issue?

• Bovine TB is a strain of tuberculosis (a bacterial disease usually affecting the lungs)
• Bovine TB can infect a wide range of animals including cattle and badgers
• Prior to the pasteurisation of milk and the testing and slaughter of infected cattle, bovine TB was an important source of TB in humans. However, control measures now mean that the current risk to human health is considered negligible
• Although bovine TB is serious in cattle if it fully develops, it is very rare to see clinical symptoms in the UK because infected animals are identified through testing and culled long before they show any
• The disease, and efforts to control it, have serious economic implications for farmers and government
• According to Defra, in 2006-7 cattle testing and surveillance in England cost about £44 million and £24.5 million was paid in compensation to farmers for cattle compulsorily slaughtered
• According to the Welsh Assembly Government, in 2006-7 spending on TB compensation and associated costs (e.g. haulage and slaughter) totalled just under £11.7 million
• The RSPCA recognises that bovine TB in cattle causes massive hardship for farmers whose herds are affected and that there needs to be a sustainable and humane solution
• Over 92% of herds in Great Britain are free of bTB, according to the Animal Health 2006 Report of the Chief Veterinary Officer

For more information about badgers, cattle, and TB, read our badger information PDF.

Sign our badgers petition. Go to: www.backoffbadgers.org.uk

How you can help

We believe the way in which this area of West Wales has been chosen will mean that any lessons learnt, if there are any, will not be applicable to the rest of the country.

• Find out more about the issue
  Read more in-depth information about this issue using the links above on the left-hand side.
• Tell the Welsh Assembly Government to 'back off badgers'
  If you are from Wales, please sign our petition today against the slaughter of badgers. Write to your Assembly Members with your views.
  
  Thank you for your support.

The RSPCA has welcomed Defra Secretary of State Hilary Benn's announcement that the first vaccine against bovine TB in badgers will be used in the field next year.

In 2008, Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) announced that a mass cull of badgers would not go ahead in England.