An overview of bovine TB: its cause, survival in the environment, routes of transmission, affected species, history in NI, and the economic impact. Highlights why eradication remains challenging and costly.
Details the range of TB diagnostic tools, from standard skin and gamma-interferon tests to laboratory methods, antibody tests, and Whole Genome Sequencing. Explains how each test works, their strengths and limitations, and their role in surveillance and control.
Outlines how TB affects cattle, badgers, and other species, and how it can spread to humans. Highlights the importance of biosecurity, testing, and tackling wildlife reservoirs to control the disease in Northern Ireland.
Practical guidance on safeguarding herds against TB. Includes steps on biosecurity, managing feed and water, reducing risks from wildlife and neighbouring herds, and dealing with the financial and emotional impact of a TB breakdown.
Explains how TB tests work, including skin and gamma-interferon tests, and their reliability. Discusses sensitivity, specificity, factors affecting accuracy, and testing approaches in both cattle and badgers.
Explains why some herds experience prolonged or repeated TB outbreaks. Covers high-risk factors such as cattle movements, residual infection from wildlife, and the role of “super-shedding” animals in spreading disease.
Reviews local research projects such as biosecurity surveys, badger–cattle interaction studies, sett surveys, and the Test/Vaccinate/Remove (TVR) badger project. Provides insights into risk factors and intervention effectiveness.
Focuses on breeding for resistance to TB, including the TB Advantage genetic index. Explains how selective breeding can gradually improve herd resilience and support long-term TB control.
Explains how other diseases such as Johne’s, BVD, and factors like vitamin D deficiency can affect the accuracy of TB testing. Highlights how compromised immunity may reduce test sensitivity and complicate diagnosis.
Examines the role of badgers as TB reservoirs, evidence from culling and vaccination programmes in GB and ROI, and the legal protections governing badgers. Discusses the balance between disease control and conservation.
Covers the current status of TB vaccination. Explains why cattle vaccination is not yet permitted, progress on DIVA testing, and the role of badger vaccination in reducing disease spread.
Summarises key reports and reviews on TB strategy, including the Godfray Report, EU recommendations, and local NI strategies. Discusses governance, testing improvements, wildlife interventions, and long-term eradication plans.
