A new study into the use of vaccines on badgers to control bovine tuberculosis is expected to start in mid 2006, Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), has announced in a release.

The small scale study could run for three years, as part of Defra's ongoing research into the disease.

Bovine TB is one of Great Britain's biggest animal health issues and cost taxpayers over £88 million in 2003-04. Part of Defra's ongoing research into bovine TB aims to find out how TB may be spread between cattle, badgers and other wildlife.

Research into the use of a vaccine for badgers has been underway since 1999. The research has now reached the stage where field trials are necessary for the next stages of the vaccine licensing procedure.

The proposed field study will take place in an area of south west England, which has a high incidence of bovine TB. Its primary aim will be to gather safety data, but will also attempt to assess the protective effect of the vaccine.

In March 2005, Defra launched its strategic framework for the sustainable control of bovine tuberculosis, which was designed to improve control of the disease over the next ten years.