Targeted vaccination and improved testing planned as part of drive to eradicate disease by 2038

Cattle will be vaccinated against tuberculosis from 2030 as a “gamechanging” part of a new strategy to drive eradication of the disease in England by 2038. In parallel, the last badger culls are expected to end by 2029, with vaccination of badgers expanded.

More than 20,000 infected cattle are slaughtered each year, costing taxpayers £100m and inflicting a heavy toll on affected farmers’ livelihoods and mental health. Mass culling of badgers began in 2013 and has killed about 250,000 animals, at a cost of about £60m.

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© Photograph: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock

© Photograph: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock

© Photograph: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock

Concerns over the spread of the New World screwworm are growing after multiple new cases were confirmed on Monday, and as state and federal officials ramp up efforts to contain the parasite.

Concerns over the spread of the New World screwworm are growing after multiple new cases were confirmed on Monday, and as state and federal officials ramp up efforts to contain the parasite.

Department of Agriculture ays new cases in Texas and New Mexico as officials move to combat parasite’s spread

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Monday confirmed three additional cases of New World screwworm – two more in Texas and the other in New Mexico, according to the agency’s animal health arm.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said the two Texas cases affected a calf in La Salle county and a goat in Gillespie county.

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© Photograph: Kaylee Greenlee/Reuters

© Photograph: Kaylee Greenlee/Reuters

© Photograph: Kaylee Greenlee/Reuters