SEAG hosted an informative and educational webinar with Dr Lindsay Heasman on an increasingly important topic for alpaca owners and livestock keepers: reducing the risk of bovine tuberculosis (TB) through badger vaccination and practical biosecurity measures.
Dr Heasman shared her extensive experience leading the Vaccinating East Sussex Badgers (VESBA) Project, a pioneering programme that has been running successfully since 2021. She explained how the project was established, the science behind badger vaccination, and the role it can play in reducing the risk of TB transmission from wildlife sources.
Drawing on her work with Hurst Animal Health Ltd, the TB Partnership, and national TB control initiatives, Lindsay provided a fascinating insight into the challenges of bovine TB eradication and the collaborative efforts being made across the livestock sector. She also discussed how the success of the East Sussex programme has led to the launch of the new Badger Vaccination Field Force, which is expanding vaccination efforts into areas of Shropshire, Worcestershire and Oxfordshire.
Most importantly, the webinar highlighted practical biosecurity measures that alpaca owners can implement to help protect their herds from TB risks, regardless of their location.
Key Takeaways for Alpaca Owners
- Biosecurity remains the first line of defence
While vaccination programmes can play an important role, there are practical steps every alpaca owner can take to reduce TB risks. Managing feed and water sources, limiting contact between livestock and wildlife, maintaining secure boundaries, and following good farm hygiene practices all contribute to protecting herd health. - TB eradication requires multiple approaches
No single measure will eradicate bovine TB. Lindsay emphasised that progress depends on combining wildlife vaccination, effective biosecurity, surveillance, testing programmes, and ongoing research into new control methods. - Individual actions can have wider benefit
The steps taken by individual herd owners contribute to the health and resilience of the wider livestock community. By adopting good biosecurity practices and supporting evidence-based disease control measures, owners can play a valuable role in reducing disease risks across the sector. - Collaboration is key to long-term success
One of the recurring themes of the evening was the importance of partnership working. The achievements of the VESBA project demonstrate what can be accomplished when farmers, researchers, veterinary professionals, and policymakers work together towards a common goal.
Catch the Replay
SEAG members can now access the full webinar video in the Education section of the SEAG website. Not yet a member? Join SEAG today to unlock this session, and a library of others packed with alpaca-specific knowledge and insights.