September 4, 2025

Launch of bovine TB strategy review update

Bovine TB is recognised as a problem which devastates animals and farms. Badgers can carry the disease, and culling has long been a part of the Government response to the crisis. But it’s a politically contentious topic with criticism of culling coming from wildlife campaigners, including Queen guitarist Sir Brian May. 

A 2018 review of bovine TB strategy in England carried out by leading experts underpins the country’s target of eliminating this major disease of cattle by 2038. In December 2024, the new government asked the same team to update its report, which was published on September 4^th.

Since the original report there has been plenty of positive news, with a reduction in disease incidence and significant scientific advances, particularly in developing vaccines and in understanding the spread and persistence of the disease.

But the new report concludes that many challenges remain and is calling for a major step change in efforts to tackle bovine TB if the 2038 target is to be met. 

As TB is back in the news after TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson reported cases of the disease on his farm in the Cotswolds, the SMC invited the expert group to the SMC to brief journalists on the details of their new report. They outlined the progress they believe is being made to eradicating the disease from English farms, and outlined new recommendations and answered questions about the report or the latest science around TB control.

Speakers included:

Professor Sir Charles Godfray, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford

Professor James Wood, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge

Professor Glyn Hewinson, Sêr Cymru Research Chair, Aberystwyth University

Professor Sir Bernard Silverman, Emeritus Professor of Statistics, University of Oxford