The Government says it is winning its battle against bovine TB – with the number of new TB herd breakdowns in England down by a fifth compared to the previous 12 months and no badgers culled for the first time in over a decade.

Progress in the fight back against the devastating disease comes as the Government formally adopted a long-term strategy, aimed at eradicating TB from England altogether by 2038. The multi-faceted approach includes the development of vaccines for cattle and badgers, mandatory blood tests, more robust wildlife surveillance and more test choice.

Developed in partnership with experts and stakeholders, including farmers, vets and scientists, the strategy sets out a clear direction of travel as its long-term plan to tackle bovine TB in England.

It was originally published in June and will now be formally taken forward by government.

Bovine TB remains one of the most significant animal health challenges we face. The disease continues to impose a heavy emotional and financial burden on farming families, disrupt rural businesses and leads to the loss of thousands of cattle every year. 

The announcement comes as encouraging progress is being made in tackling bovine TB, with herds losing TB free status in England falling by a fifth over the past year and 2026 marking the first year in more than a decade in which no badgers were culled as part of efforts to control the disease – delivering on a manifesto pledge to end the cull.

Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said Bovine TB has devastated farming communities, causing heartbreaking losses, uncertainty and financial hardship.