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Badgers to be vaccinated against TB
The first vaccine against bovine tuberculosis in badgers will be used in the field in England next year, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.
The vaccine will be used in six areas of up to 100km² where there is a high incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle. Vaccination will start in 2010 and continue for at least five years.
It will be the first practical use of a vaccine for TB in badgers outside research trials.
The project will focus on developing practical approaches for use rather than developing further evidence of the effectiveness of the vaccine, although Defra will be monitoring any changes in cattle disease trends.
Hilary Benn said:
“Developing an effective vaccine for bovine TB is only half the challenge. The other is to deploy it effectively. This project will help us do that. As such it marks real progress in our fight against this terrible disease.”
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Page last modified: 19 March 2009 15:30
Page published: 19 March 2009 15:30