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Bovine tuberculosis in domestic and wild mammals in an area of Dorset. II. The badger population, its ecology and tuberculosis status

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 March 2010

T. W. A. Little
Affiliation:
Central Veterinary Laboratory, New Haw, Weybridge, Surry, KT15 3NB
C. Swan
Affiliation:
Central Veterinary Laboratory, New Haw, Weybridge, Surry, KT15 3NB
H. V. Thompson
Affiliation:
Central Veterinary Laboratory, New Haw, Weybridge, Surry, KT15 3NB
J. W. Wilesmith
Affiliation:
Central Veterinary Laboratory, New Haw, Weybridge, Surry, KT15 3NB
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Summary

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Following a major outbreak of tuberculosis in cattle on a farm in Dorset, badgers were discovered to be infected with Mycobacterium bovis. Two hundred and forty sets were found in the 1200 hectares of the study area. The sets were found predominantly in areas of Portland Sand. A high prevalence of tuberculosis was found in the badger population which was removed and repopulation prevented for 3 years. The removal of the infected badgers led to the resolution of the problem in cattle. Re-colonization of the area has progressed slowly and the cattle have remained free from infection for a period of 5 years.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1982

References

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