Brian May's 10-Year Study on Bovine TB and Badger Cull

Brian May, the guitarist of Queen, has been a vocal opponent of badger culling as a method to control bovine tuberculosis (bTB) for over a decade. In a new BBC documentary, May presents findings from a decade-long research project, suggesting that badgers may not be the primary culprits in the spread of bTB. Instead, he posits that cattle themselves could be transmitting the disease among their herd, a claim that has sparked debate among farmers and veterinarians. May's research, conducted in collaboration with farms in Wales and England, indicates that the bTB pathogen is prevalent in cattle feces, which can contaminate food and water sources. He emphasizes the need for improved hygiene practices on farms to prevent the spread of the disease, including measures to separate high-risk animals and reduce the risk of calves contracting bTB from their mothers. His findings come in the wake of significant losses for farmers, including one who has had over 500 cows culled due to the disease. The UK government previously decided to cull badgers in areas identified as bTB hotspots, based on the belief that they contribute to the disease's spread. However, recent statistics reveal that over 21,000 cattle were slaughtered in England alone between April 2023 and March 2024 due to bTB. In response to the ongoing crisis, the government is working towards a comprehensive TB eradication strategy that includes vaccination and enhanced biosecurity measures, with the aim of eventually ending the badger cull. The Welsh government has also expressed its commitment to addressing the impact of bTB on farmers, acknowledging the emotional toll the disease takes on their families. As the debate continues, May's documentary aims to shed light on alternative approaches to managing bTB, potentially reshaping the conversation around badger culling and animal health in the UK.