Wildlife vectors spreading bovine TB

Dublin: Wildlife vectors have been found to play an important role in the persistence of tuberculosis in the cattle population in Ireland, Britain and New Zealand, the fourth international conference on bovine TB was told in Dublin Castle.

Minister of State John Browne said Ireland, in order to eradicate tuberculosis from cattle, will need to sustainably control tuberculosis in badgers, having regard to environmental considerations and the legal protection afforded to badgers.

It is committed to developing an effective badger vaccine and implementing badger vaccination as a distinct component of the bovine tuberculosis eradication programme.