Researchers have highlighted "significant gaps" in the understanding of how effective badger vaccination is in controlling bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Wales, according to a recent report. A team from the British Ecological Society's Wales policy group, along with researchers from Cardiff and Aberystwyth universities, says these knowledge gaps weaken the effectiveness of vaccination as a tool for managing the disease. Bovine TB is a serious infection that affects cattle and can be transmitted to badgers, which are known carriers of the disease. While vaccination is part of a broader strategy to eliminate bovine TB in Wales, it remains a controversial approach. There have been calls to explore alternative methods to vaccination for controlling the spread of bovine TB, such as culling badgers. Cattle are regularly tested for the disease, and those found to be infected are typically culled to prevent its spread. Researchers have now urged for more monitoring of vaccination programs, a thorough review of the available evidence, and greater collaboration with farmers to maximize the impact of these initiatives. In their policy briefing, they noted that there are still major questions about the number of badgers being vaccinated, the effect of vaccination on disease levels in cattle, and how to improve confidence in the approach among farmers and veterinary professionals. Dr. Niall McKeown, a lecturer at Aberystwyth University and vice-chair of the British Ecological Society's Wales policy group, emphasized that bovine TB remains one of the most significant animal health challenges in Wales. He warned that badger vaccination should not be viewed as a standalone solution to the disease. While there is strong evidence that the BCG vaccine protects badgers, the impact of vaccination programs on reducing TB in cattle is not well established. McKeown suggested that any benefit to cattle would depend on consistent and widespread vaccination efforts, along with effective controls for cattle. He stressed the need for better-targeted, measured, and evaluated vaccination programs, suggesting that combining genetic monitoring, sett surveys, camera traps, and movement data could help track vaccination progress and identify gaps. A spokesperson for the Welsh government stated that the approach to eradicating bovine TB is being renewed, with a focus on three key areas: cattle, people, and wildlife. The government emphasized that this work will be based on scientific evidence and advice from expert groups, while also considering cost-effectiveness in decision-making. Recently, Llyr Gruffydd, the minister responsible for agriculture, noted that a variety of solutions are being considered, as the situation varies between farms. The Welsh government has also announced the extension of two projects aimed at eradicating bovine TB, which were initially tested in high-risk areas like Pembrokeshire and parts of north Wales. A new government board was established in August 2024 to help eliminate the disease, though there is no current plan to expand the vaccination program beyond these areas.