Intensive culls of badgers and deer in areas plagued by recurring and widespread TB outbreaks will not be introduced under the TB action plan.

However, the plan has proposed a number of changes with regard to wildlife.

These include that the Department of Agriculture will only use its test, vaccinate or remove (TVR) approach to badgers in what are termed ‘vaccine areas’ to ensure that only healthy badgers are vaccinated.

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Among the other actions outlined in the plan are:

  • Badgers will only be vaccinated against TB if they have tested negative for the disease;
  • Badgers that test positive for TB will be culled;
  • The adoption of population management and additional surveying and captures within 1km and 2km of a TB breakdown.

    • In relation to deer, the Department said it will continue to support the work of the Deer Management Stakeholder Group.

    A programme manager has been put in place to implement the recommendations of the group’s report, the plan stated and deer management units will be established in agreed areas of high deer population density.