Published: 12 March 2021
The Animal and Plant Health Agency is conducting a research project to detect the presence and location of TB infection in badgers in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and East Sussex, collectively known as the Southern Edge Area.
The Government is implementing an ambitious and evolving, evidence-based strategy to eradicate TB in England. A key feature of the strategy is the division of the country into three bovine TB risk areas – High Risk, Low Risk and the Edge Area which lies between the two. These risk areas determine the disease control measures used in both cattle and wildlife. Evidence of the presence and location of TB infection in badgers within each area is extremely valuable to inform future policy as the eradication strategy evolves.
Starting in Spring 2021 and ending in Spring 2022, our aim is to collect a significant number of fresh, found-dead badger carcasses, especially those killed on roads in these counties. These will then be examined and tested for TB.
We are looking for volunteers to help collect badger carcasses. Carcasses will need to be fresh and collected according to a simple protocol that will be provided along with collection kits containing everything needed by collectors. Carcasses will then be collected from your premises by a specialist courier and taken to the University of Nottingham. We offer a contribution of £25 towards any personal expenses associated with the collection of carcasses.
If you would be willing to support this project please let us know and we will send you more detailed information. Equally, if your organisation is able to promote the project within your community we can share material for distribution and offer more information, including through virtual meetings if required.
Find out more:
Email us at southernedgerta@apha.gov.uk
Call us on 07798 882392