Overview

• An updated, government‑commissioned review led by Sir Charles Godfray finds only a small chance of achieving bovine TB‑free status by 2038 without a step change in urgency, funding and coordination.
• The scientists call for rapid expansion of badger vaccination, stronger cattle testing and biosecurity, and faster processing to license a new cattle vaccine.
• Ministers reiterate plans to end badger culling by 2029, with the review saying the target is still possible without culling if non‑lethal measures are scaled significantly.
• The government says a Badger Vaccinator Field Force will be deployed next year, more than £40m has been invested in vaccine research with devolved governments, and a new eradication strategy will be published early next year.
• Operational hurdles persist, including trapping enough badgers and making large‑scale vaccination economically viable, while bovine TB continues to cost taxpayers about £100m a year and has led to extensive cattle slaughter and badger culls.