Big Data Shows Weak Link Between Badgers and Cattle for TB Spread

The largest simulation to date of the numbers of cattle and badgers infected with tuberculosis (TB) casts serious doubts about the extent to which badgers cause TB in cattle, according to research from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL).

Using a mathematical model that combines a huge number of cattle and badgers that have TB, the researchers were able to quantify the relationship between the two animals and use a big data approach to show that the route of infection for cattle is from other cattle rather than from other species. Similarly, badgers are mainly infected by other infected badgers.

“If badgers are causing TB in cattle, we would see a similar pattern of infection in both species, however our analysis reveals that this isn’t the case and could have implications for a strategy to vaccinate badgers, as an efficient control strategy if policymakers were to pursue this option,” said lead author Dr Aristides Moustakas from QMUL’s School of Biological and Chemical Sciences.

The research suggests that an efficient way to vaccinate badgers might be to follow the spatial pattern of TB infections, for example by identifying the hotspots where the disease is concentrated – click here to read more.

In other news, the EU’s Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has announced that the €150 million Milk Production Reduction Scheme has been almost fully subscribed.

Over 52,000 dairy farmers in 27 EU Member States have applied to participate in the scheme, with offers to reduce production in the final quarter of 2016.

“I am confident that this measure, allied to others included in the July and earlier packages, will contribute further to an already stabilising market situation in the European dairy market,” Mr Hogan said. He noted that signs of recovery are already evident, but said his objective was to see “improving market sentiment translated into higher farm-gate prices to the benefit of producers.” – Read more.