This consultation is seeking views on Defra’s proposal to amend legislation to allow the vaccination of badgers against tuberculosis to be carried out by persons other than veterinary surgeons.

Scope of this consultation:
This consultation is not aimed at seeking views on the Government policy of vaccinating badgers against bovine tuberculosis. This consultation is seeking views solely on the administration of the vaccine by persons other than veterinary surgeons; the conditions specified in the exemption order to ensure competence of such persons; and the training course that has been designed with veterinary input.

Geographical scope:
The proposed exemption order will apply to Great Britain.

Defra would like to hear from: representative bodies of veterinary surgeons, veterinary surgeons, animal welfare groups and anyone interested in the vaccination of badgers for the purpose of controlling bovine TB.

Enquiries: Enquiries about the content or scope of the consultation can be addressed to Rory Cooney, telephone +44 (0)20 7238 3111, e-mail tbvaccination@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

Requests for hard copies can also be obtained from the above e-mail address or Defra, TB Programme, Area 6E Millbank, c/o Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR.

Responses
E-mail responses should be sent to the BSAVA Honorary Secretary, Alison Speakman, secretary@bsava.com, and should be received no later than 7 November 2009. These responses will then be collated and forwarded to Defra.

Access the Consultation on amendments to legislation to allow vaccination of badgers against bovine tuberculosis by non-veterinary surgeons here >>