scottishbadgers

TB and Badgers

Tuberculosis is a very serious disease affecting both humans and animals.

TB is caused by various species of bacteria called 'Mycobacteria'. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main cause of TB in humans. The number of cases of human TB have increased around the world in recent years.

The History

During the 1930s a large proportion of dairy cows were infected with M. bovis. Many were kept near large cities to provide urban dwellers with fresh milk. Most were closely confined, in poorly ventilated cowsheds, ideal conditions for the disease to spread. Many cows developed infection in the udders and because most milk was drunk raw (untreated), M. bovis spread easily to humans and was the major source of tuberculosis in humans. During this time, over 50,000 new human cases of TB infection were recorded each year, with over 2,500 deaths.

The threat from TB remains in the UK. Developing a new strategy for tackling Bovine TB represents a major challenge for the Scottish Executive, other UK Agriculture Departments, the farming industry, the veterinary profession and other interested organisations including those representing wildlife interests.

Download the Scottish Badgers paper on TB

Read the Scottish Executives consultation documents on TB

TB and Badgers

"...a very serious disease affecting both humans and animals."

Contact Scottish Badgers
Use our online form or telephone: 01356 624851 (not permanently manned), or write to Scottish Badgers, 13, Eddie Avenue, Brechin, DD9 6YD

Scottish Badger Cruelty Line
Scottish badger cruelty line - 0870 240 4832. Please telephone to report badger cruelty. Up to £1000 reward for tip offs leading to conviction.

Want to get involved?
There are many organisations concerned with conserving our wildlife, check out the links, news and forum pages, or click here to contact the local badger groups, or join Scottish Badgers