Independent vaccination analysis welcomed

Rebecca Evans today welcomed the independent report on the likely impact the lack of available BCG vaccine would have on the badger vaccination programme in Wales.

Following the decision to suspend sourcing the vaccine due to a global shortage, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) was commissioned to identify the likely impact the non-availability of Badger-BCG in 2016 would have on the vaccination project within the Intensive Action Area (IAA) in West Wales.

The report concludes that despite not being able to complete the fifth and final year, four years of badger vaccination would achieve a reduction in prevalence of TB in badgers in the IAA. APHA modelling showed that vaccinating for four years, missing year five, and returning to vaccinate in year six is not different from vaccinating for five consecutive years.

The Deputy Minister said:

“I am grateful to APHA for completing the modelling work so swiftly and to landowners within the IAA for their continued co-operation.

“The modelling APHA carried out suggests that a gap of one year after year four is no different from vaccinating repeatedly for 5 years.

“We will continue to engage with the agriculture industry, wider rural communities, veterinary profession, Eradication Boards, and the Industry Advisory Group in the Intensive Action Area.

“We will also continue to evaluate the impact of all interventions within the IAA, including vaccination, cattle surveillance and controls and the enhanced biosecurity measures.”

The Minister confirmed that the annual IAA/Comparison Cattle report will be published this summer, as usual. She will also make the full APHA report available on the Welsh Government website.