Background

EMEC Ecology are qualified and experienced to undertake badger vaccinations to prevent the spread of bovine turberculosis. We have vaccinated badgers in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire as part of a scheme aiming to protect local wildlife and dairy and beef farms. We work with the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust as part of the BEVS project on the Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire border.

With the number of outbreaks of bovine tuberculosis increasing in local cattle herds, vaccination of badgers aims to prevent the disease becoming an epidemic in the local wildlife population. It is used as one of many techniques to control the spread of the disease in cattle.

Methodology

Our staff follow the necessary procedure to ensure all vaccination works abide to the highest level of biosecurity and animal welfare. We are skilled to undertake the full vaccination process as follows.

Badger Surveys

The badger survey will follow the standard methodology, which involves recording the following signs of badgers: badger paths, footprints, dung pits, badger hairs, scratching trees, bedding and badger setts.

For further information see our badger surveys page.

Pre-Baiting

EMEC Ecology use the pre-baiting process (deposition of peanuts) to familiarise the badgers with the traps used to secure the animals for vaccination and to encourage them to enter these traps. Our staff are trained and experienced in knowing where and how to set bait, when to move bait and when it has been successfully taken. As such we are knowledgeable in badger behaviour and how to achieve the results required for successful vaccination.

Trap Setting

Specially designed badger traps are used to secure the badgers so that they can be safely vaccinated. Our staff are highly trained and experienced in badger trap installation and setting. EMEC Ecology will always ensure animal welfare is at the top of the agenda and this is reflected in our delivery.

Vaccination

Vaccinations are delivered quickly and efficiently by staff trained in delivering badger vaccinations.